Life has a way of changing, from growing families, to divorces and empty nests…holidays can be a difficult time to navigate. For me, my traditions have changed and I find myself searching for balance and ways to minimize the inevitable depression. But, while life changes, here are a few ways I’ve found that help me through:

MUSIC…Holiday music has always been a staple for me. Before satellite radio I had CDs and hand-picked holiday mix tapes with everything from Bing Crosby to Mannheim Steamroller. There is something comforting about getting lost in old classics. Change your phone ringtone to a holiday favorite, guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time the phone rings! In your house, in your car, PLAY the music.

DECORATE…I know, decorating a new space if you’re alone or decorating that old space that now seems lonely might not sound like a real mood-picker-upper, but it just might be the ticket. Consider that this is perfect time to do it your way! Only want red lights on your house? Do it. Maybe you want to use your holiday dishes every day in December and January. Do it! Have you always hated that huge monster tree that takes up your entire living room forcing you to rearrange the furniture? And let’s not even talk about the mess. Get that small table top tree and call it a day. 🙂

FOOD…Cookies, festive drinks, huge family dinners. Nothing wrong with changing things up this year. Store bought cookies are delicious too, don’t feel guilty about not dedicating hours in the kitchen, trust me, no one is going to think less of you arriving with a tray of beautifully decorated cookies made at the local bakery. Festive drinks…go ahead and indulge if it makes you happy. Try something new, enjoy the punch. And that huge family dinner might now be dinner for two, and if it is, make a dish you love and everyone hated! Buy the lobster and start a new tradition.

SOCIAL…Probably the hardest part of a changing lifestyle. Couple friends might not be including you, family events now are stressful or just plain weird. Accept the invites for drinks with coworkers and neighbors or take the initiative and host a party of your own! This year I planned a White Elephant night with my kids and their significant others, which was a huge success! This is perfect time to start a new tradition. Most of all, expose yourself to some happy faces!

REFLECT…This is the time of year that most of us reflect on the year gone by and set goals for the year ahead. If this is your thing, by all means indulge. If it’s not, don’t fall into the trap! But, this is the time to spend a little time on YOU. Put your life into perspective, accept the good things that have come your way, know you deserve them! Let the disappointments from the past year go. Set some intentions for achievable goals for 2019! (Want that massage and facial? You deserve that too!)

Your turn! Let’s inspire each other with creative ways to make the holiday just a little more enjoyable no matter where life has planted you this year!