Holiday Hodgepodge Hints

Happy Holidays! I hope this blog finds you well! Hard to believe 2024 is quickly approaching.

No matter what holiday you celebrate this time of year, the tinsel blitz can sometimes feel like you’re a passenger on a fast moving train in a dark tunnel with no stops. Today I am sharing with you my top eight (in celebration of the eight nights of Chanukah) self-care ideas to perhaps inspire you or help you enjoy your December a tad bit more! So without delay…

1. Let go of expectations. Yes, we want picture perfect homes, the best cookies, the fanciest gift wrappings, and the ugliest ugly sweaters. However, it is important to note that sadness can be exacerbated this time of year. People who are missing loved ones, or are ill, or perhaps those people who don’t have a lot of money to spend, can feel a bah humbug lack of spirt. This has happened to me in the past…my mother passed away on 12/24/2001 and my late husband on 12/23/2011. So I can attest to that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach come December when everyone is bustling about, sipping egg nog and talking about spreading good cheer. I have found that the more I have let go of expectations — of myself and others — the more I have been able to relax and find peace. This is not to say that you shouldn’t be proactive: if you are truly struggling, reach out to a friend or seek professional help (I went to therapy). If you know of someone who is sad or lonely, perhaps offer to make them a cup of tea. Little gestures go a long way. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. In fact, a good old fashioned phone call is a great place to start!
2. Exercise! Getting those endorphins coursing through your veins is so important! One of the best things I have done for myself this year is get a gym membership. Truth be told, I joined thinking I wouldn’t like it and it would be an epic fail…but my physical therapist said I needed to work on my core after I had recurrent back problems. Reluctantly, I signed up at my local Gold’s Gym, dragged my out of shape self in, and surprisingly I love it! I go about two to three times a week. I don’t push myself (only if I’m with my daughter, she will make me to do the extra reps!) but I always, always feel better afterwards. If I don’t feel like doing too much on one day, I will take it easy. This has helped me to enjoy my time there, not stress about it, and most of all, keep going. I plug in my earbuds, open Spotify, and am ready to go…
3. Eat healthy food. This one I struggle with. But around the holidays, I try not to overeat and/or go to sleep full. I aim to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables and limit sweets (sort of, kind of). I’m drinking more tea now (I tend to be a coffee person). My husband has had much success with Intermittent Fasting, but it doesn’t work for me. I also try to avoid snacking so I’m hungry at mealtimes. Also, I’ve started taking enzymes with my main meal, which for me is usually lunch. So far so good, but this is definitely a work in progress. This might be a topic I delve into more depth next year!
4. Know Thyself. If you don’t like latkes, don’t eat them. If you love filling every crevice in your home with Christmas lights, then do it! Some years you might want to do more or less depending on your mood, income or time. This year I decorated for Chanukah early because I strongly felt I needed to feel connected to my Jewish roots. I put up blue lights indoors and out and it has really brightened my mood! Whatever you need to do this time of year, do it. If you want to throw the party, throw it! If you want to stay inside and binge watch The Crown and not attend the party, then binge away! In other words, give yourself permission to say “yes” when you want to, and “no” when you don’t…
5. Stock up on your favorite product. I don’t know why I thought of this, but every woman loves to know another woman’s “must have” products. At least I do! Anyway, I never leave the house without my Benefit Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel. I love this product (and this is not a paid endorsement)! But I always swipe it on my eyebrows before I go anywhere. I use a medium brown, though my brows are naturally dark brown. I read once that using a lighter shade of pencil or gel on your brows looks more natural. So just in case you decide at the last minute to go to the party, it’s reassuring to know you have your favorite product in good supply!
6. Don’t overspend. I know this can be a tough one for us givers out there. But please don’t go into debt buying stuff for your family/kids/pets/friends, etc because you feel guilty. Thoughtful gifts are always appreciated (or they should be, at any rate) but you shouldn’t need to prove your devotion. Certainly show your love and caring with gifts if it brings you mountains of joy; but don’t forget that actions and experiences can be generous and special, too. My mom used to take me and my family out for a Christmas Eve dinner buffet in Beverly Hills every year. We dressed up to the nines, had delicious food and were star struck over the gorgeous decorations! I don’t remember what gifts we gave each other, but this core memory is a gift!
7. Do one thing a week outside of your comfort zone. This might go against #4 above, but occasionally try something different in your holiday repertoire. It could be as simple as cooking up a new recipe. Or taking that walk on a different path. Sometimes I go crazy and find a new coffee shop to sit in and write whilst sappy holiday music plays merrily in the background. Recently, I tried my hand at making a menorah using dried flowers and resin. I’m not a craftsy person at all, but why not try?
8. Practice Mindfulness. Here I go being all New Agey on you…but this is such an important concept and lifelong process, especially when your days and nights are particularly hectic. If you pay attention to everyday objects that you normally overlook, they can take on a magical quality. Recently, I read Marie Kondo’s book, Karashi at Home. In it, she goes into detail about appreciating the little things around us…even our shoes! It has made me look at my stuff (and my shoes!) in an appreciative new way. Everything has a nuance to it…the person who made it, the shopkeeper who sold it, the person (you or me) who wears it. Anyway, food for thought: pick an ordinary object in your home or surroundings and really look at it, thank it, and give it some love. Let me know what happens!
9. Bonus Advice: If there is something you are really wanting this year and for some reason you don’t receive it, then get it for yourself! Start 2024 treating yourself well and let the abundance flow.

Wishing you all blessings and peace. On Thursday night I will be lighting both my new resin menorah (it turned out pretty good!), and the one I have lit since childhood.