Your Priority Centered Life

Episode 114: Happy (Not Hectic!) Holidays

Alise Murray, PhD Season 1 Episode 14

Send us a text

If you're seeing Black Friday emails and holiday decorations and beginning to sweat because you haven't even started getting ready for December, this episode is for you. Learn how to focus on what's most important to your family this holiday season so you can enjoy the last month of 2024 feeling laid back, and not like your back is against the wall!

Want to get a snapshot of your own life in just minutes? Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment at www.prior10.com/assessment.

The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.

Resource for today’s episode: Happy Holidays Digital Planner – Includes today’s brainstorming activity, as well as gift lists, card lists, decorations and crafts planners, menu planners, and more. Use it year after year!

Ask yourself right now: What do the holidays mean to you? What do you want to remember? 

Here's a way to make your holidays more enjoyable and less frenetic. 

1. Brainstorm a list of activities you include this time of year or want to include. You can ask other family members to do this too.

o   Special meals and baking

o   Certain TV shows or movies

o   Gifts

o   Performances

o   Decorating

o   Winter sports

o   Birthday and anniversary celebrations

o   Other things that may take your time and energy in December

 2. Once you’ve created a master list of activities, discuss it with your family. You may want to have them rate how important each activity is to them. Think carefully about how much time and energy each activity involves. Be realistic.

3. Look at your calendar and how much open time you have over the next month. Remember, if you add, you need to subtract as well. Do you need to drop some of your usual activities? Can you take some time off work?

4. Cross things off that are not that important. If you feel hesitant to do this, treat 2024 as an experiment. You can always change it next year. 

5. Be creative. If there’s an activity your family enjoys that takes a lot of time, can you participate in a simpler way? 

Have a wonderful holiday season!