Is it possible to find balance during the holidays? It’s hard to try to keep a regular routine through the holidays with parties, shopping, baking, special services at church. Most routines go right out the window with the hustle of Christmas. I know for me I’ve joined a winter fitness support group on Facebook, pinned ideas on Pinterest boards about organization, continue to re-write my to-do list every day, and have braved the crowds in the stores…more like survived without getting my car hit in the parking lots. As I’m sure you are feeling, I’m just trying to “survive” another holiday season. Don’t get me wrong, I love the festivities of the holiday season, I just rather do without the stress. It’s hard not to let it all consume you and you stop taking care of yourself and throw that thing called ‘balance; out the window. (Because that’s what New Year’s Resolutions are for right?)

Fight through the “survival” mode to find a “savoring” attitude for the holidays.

Savor the moments and memories made with family around the dinner table. Take the time to ask family members questions and be ready to listen to the stories or life updates shared. Fight the urge to check your phone, schedule, mental to-do list, and be present in the moment. May your present to those around you be your undivided attention and presence.

Find balance in taking care of yourself. Savor your health and wellbeing. It is easy to allow our circumstances to dictate our time. Take care of yourself, so you can savor the holidays and your time with family and friends. Make sure that you are getting enough sleep, keeping your normal workout routine, drinking lots of water instead of egg nog. Your body will thank you for any type of healthy reprieve you can give it during such a busy season. It will also prevent the crash that could come after Christmas is over. I think keeping your body balanced and healthy is the best gift you can give yourself this holiday season. Find out what motivates you and keeps you accountable to your goals.  I have a work out accountability partner. We set workout goals each week and then post our updates on Twitter (#holidaychallenge) and Facebook Group (Winter Fitness Challenge)-  you can join our Facebook Page: https://www.Facebook.com/groups/417926751688591/

Savor the food through the holiday season. Instead of feeling guilty about eating all the baked goods, formal meals, drinks, and candy, allow yourself to enjoy each bite and recognize when you are done. It’s easy to allow yourself to indulge around the holidays, and then tell yourself that you will deal with it in January. Try savoring each cookie, glass of wine, and spoonful of mashed potatoes so there is no need to have more than a normal portion. Consume in moderation, so you remain balanced through the holidays.

In all the shopping and spending around Christmas, savor gratitude. Savor the fact that you have loved ones to buy for and have an opportunity to show them how much you care and appreciate them. Be thankful for your relationships and savor the love. Stay balanced in shopping by creating a budget and stick to it. It may be easier said than done, but you will thank yourself when the bank statement comes and find balance in balancing your check book. I don’t think any of our loved ones desire us to go into such debt that it harms us, so don’t worry about having to say no to certain items in order to stay in your budget.

The reason for Christmas is clear. We are celebrating the divine miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ who came in flesh form to save us from our sins. Savor the reason for why we have this holiday and give thanks. God made a way for us to have a relationship with him. The course of saving mankind started in a manger, a messy place to save a messy world. Let’s not lose sight that God’s love for us started with a baby, born in a manager. I hope we never let the craziness of the holidays keep us from savoring our salvation. We need to find balance of the busy holiday season with worshiping our savior’s birth.

I wish you a balanced holiday season filled with joy, love, and happiness. May you “savor” every moment this Christmas and New Year!

Blessings,

Brittany