31 Days of 'Elf Care - Tip #1: Do What Brings You Joy

"You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage - pleasantly, smiling, non-apologetically- to say 'no' to other things.  And the way to do this by having a bigger 'yes' burning inside you."  - Stephen Covey

Pull out a sheet of paper and write down all the things you love about the holiday season.   Engage all of your senses..
1) I love the sound of children laughing- their pink little noses and cheeks and how their hair looks all static-y and flat when they come in, take off their snow gear and warm up with some hot chocolate

2) I love Christmas lights and the smell of pine needles

3) I love baking cookies while playing Christmas music and singing at the top of my lungs

4) I love going to see the Nutcracker ballet
5) I love having Christmas dinner with the whole family together.


Next, write down those things that stress you out over the holiday...
1) Holiday shopping - the traffic, the crowds, the consumerism
2) Uncle Bob and Aunt Carol's bickering

3) Driving in the Snow

4) Writing Christmas Cards to Everyone.

5) Too many holiday parties

Now- focus on the first list...Say YES to these things!  These are your reasons for the seasons.  These are your PRIORITIES!

Focus on the second list...Say NO to these things.  Set limits where you think saying a complete NO will cause more stress or compromise aspects of what you do love (ie: Love the family dinner, but limit time spent in the room with or at events with the bickering relatives)

I would love to hear what's on your holiday JOY lists! 

Take Good Care-
'Elf Care Girl
"'Elf Care Reform Specialist"