We are headed straight into holiday season, which means a lot of time with family. Now some families are super close and get along perfectly and that’s amazing for them, but truth is, most families have some sort of dysfunction, that gets even more complicated the larger the gathering. Whether it’s Uncle John making truly off-color jokes, passive-aggressive comments, incessant questions about your love life/fertility/career, and/or politics, these can be an emotional minefield. So today, I’m sharing 5 tips for surviving the holidays in one piece.
Exercise before the event to get those positive, feel-good endorphins flowing. Even if it’s a short walk outside, any amount of movement will help get your head right. An intense workout, a walking meditation, a turkey trot, a solo dance party - they all help
Limit your time spent in stressful situations.
You do not have to engage in conversations that are triggers for you. You can say something like “I’d rather not talk about that right now” and then redirect by asking the person a question about themselves. There is no better distraction than getting someone to talk about something they’re doing to get the focus off you
In the moment, focus on what you like about the person you’re talking with. This is almost like a mini gratitude practice and will help reset your mindset from impatience and annoyance to something perhaps more empathetic.
Pre-book an appointment with your therapist. mental health professional, masseuse, good friend or other support system to decompress. This is not the time to get too busy for self care!
I get it - the holidays can be really tough for a lot of people. Take care of yourself out there!!
FUN THINGS HAPPENING IN CLEVELAND
November 15th: I know it’s too early to think about winter, but it IS a great time for s’mores. Get some s’mores, enjoy some live music, and of course, cocktails at this fundraiser for Brite Winter Fest.
November 19th: Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Cleveland. This is an event for entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, side-hustlers, dreamers and doers. WED Cleveland is bringing together a force of local women in business and nonprofit leadership to spark new ideas and build bridges of support and collaboration
November 21st: Sapphire Pear’s Annual Holiday Party and Pop Up Shopping Event. Barrie Spang and the team at Sapphire Pear always throw a fabulous parts with amazing vendors. Bombay Taxi Boutique will not be vending at this event this year, but I’m definitely stopping by. Great spot to grab some hostess gifts before the holidays!!
November 22nd: Whiskey Guide Launch Party. Join the author of A Short Guide to Cheap Whiskey, Shelby Costo, for an evening of whiskey sampling, snacks, and desserts to pair! Another fun pre-holiday event!!
November 22-23rd: Winter Market at the Shipyards. This is a new market in a new space and promises to be a really great market with lots of home decor and gifts, just in time for holiday season!
November 24th: Remember that workout tip in my self care tips? Here’s a fun one with Alicia Hansen - Platform Pub Yoga.
December 1st: Another yoga event at a Brewery, this one benefiting Refugee Response. Join Balance & Brews at Masthead.
December 8th: 2019 Rocky River Women’s Club Home Tour. Celebrate 22 years of giving with the Rocky River Women's Club Holiday Home Tour! Tour beautiful and unique Rocky River homes, exploring our city's architecture and enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of the holiday season.
If you’re looking for some fun, unique holiday events in Cleveland (that always sell out), head over to this post, and make sure you get plan ahead and get your tickets!
I will update this list each week. ENJOY!