Feelings
What can you do if you feel overwhelmed at a holiday party?
use your coping skills: take deep breaths, ask to take a quick break in a quiet room, talk with someone about your feelings
You get a gift that you do not like from aunt. What should you say?
thank you for thinking of me
Define holiday spirit
A positive feeling or attitude that people experience during the holiday seasons
What are some ways you can practice self-care during the holidays?
Start day with an intention of how you want to move through your day. Breathe deeply when feeling stress and remind yourself you are doing your best. Listen to music. Dance and sing to your favorite music. Practice relaxation
What are some examples of ways you can be helpful to your family during the holiday season?
follow family expectations, help clean up, be patient everyone
Define expectations
Something that you think or hope will happen
What are some things that make holidays stressful?
Unrealistic expectations. traffic, loneliness, cold weather, unexpected plans, budgeting
What do you like to do with your family around the holidays that makes your whole family happy? Is this something you expect to do every year?
thank you for sharing
Define reality
How things actually are. Can be unpredictable
Expectations for the holidays can be different from reality. What are some ways to be flexible if things don't go the way you expect them to?
use coping skills, make different plans, plan fun things to do at home, be flexible
Your relative opens a gift, and it is something you really like. You feel jealous. How should you respond?
Take a deep breath, tell them you think what they got is awesome
Define unrealistic expectations
Unrealistic expectations are those expectations we set for ourselves or others that are highly unattainable.
How can you manage your expectations about the holidays?
What are some ideas to help with being realistic about this holiday season?
Prioritize things you need to do and things you want to do. Make a budget and stick to it. It is OK to say "No" to some activities. Try new things. Keep an open mind and be flexible.
What is something you are looking forward to doing this holiday season? What is something you can be flexible about if it doesn't happen?
watching holiday movies
snow on Christmas Day
get an advent calendar
Define realistic expectations
Setting standards/expectations but being honest about what you can accomplish in a specific timeframe by acknowledging limitations