Just Say No This Holiday Season

For me, the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is the longest and most drawn out span of time throughout the year. Admittedly, all I do is just try to survive it all and I will be the first to tell you that I have zero problems telling anyone “no” or declining an invitation to holiday parties in particular. That is just me… that is how I pace myself through those hectic and manic weeks of the holidays.

However, the holidays wear on and so do the parties and other social obligations that often leave many feeling overextended and run down.

Your time is your time and you have the both the right and the responsibility to yourself to practice your assertiveness skills when needed during the holidays. Just say no this holiday season and take back the holidays for yourself, your family, and for those closest to you.

Just say no this holiday season by prioritizing and focusing on the most important holiday activities and observances that are special to you.

It is better for you (and everyone else for that matter) that you do a few things well rather than to try to do 100 things poorly. Pick the events, parties, and gatherings that you really want to attend and can be your “best self” at rather than show up grouchy, bitter, and maybe even a little resentful that you have to be at your fifth party in one weekend.

Again, and this is purely my personal view but the holidays are in their own way a month plus long endurance event. It is not that I do not enjoy the holidays, I do, but I guess it is from a more internal perspective… that would be my introvert talking.

Just say no this holiday season and do not allow the holidays to become something you dread rather than enjoy. Take steps to prevent the stress and holiday overwhelm that can bring your down during the holidays.

Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can head things off before they lead to a total holiday meltdown. Enjoy your holidays by choosing some positive thinking, a little planning, and some mindfulness so that you can have a peaceful and joyful time during the holidays. And if you have too… just say no when needed.

Andy Wooten M.A. Counseling – A Certified Life Coach In Aspen Colorado

If you enjoyed this article or if it helped you, please consider sharing it!