The Up & Coming Magazine

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Happy December! Can you believe it’s the last month of the year?  Where did the time go? In Arizona, we have the cooler weather–not so hot and not freezing cold. Both discussions and more pop up as any conversation starter while those gather together to share as Christmas approaches and celebrations of the season begin.  

Not only does December seem to be the one month that brings on the happy and the frustrated, the sad and the depressed. It’s the one month where you can leave your home excited about the day of shopping and be pissed off when you get home because of the person who took your parking spot or the cashier who was snippy because of her long day of rude customers. It is full of cozy traditions that cling to the Holiday calendar, and no matter what, December is the month that all our emotions come out in full force.

Some may be full of joy and excitement as the Christmas music plays, and others may be overwhelmed with just the thought of putting up a tree in the living room, and are already looking for January to get here. Some may have negative meanings to this time of year and work through their own set of emotions as they pass a decorated tree on display or hear the music play on the radio.

Just last night, I couldn’t fall asleep because my mind was worried till I passed out with all the “things” I have to do and the planning that has to be done in the midst of normal, regular daily living.

December is my most favorite time of the year, but I will be the first to admit it comes way too fast, and I am hardly ever prepared. Every year, I tell myself I will do better. I will plan better, and I will do things more efficiently. But let’s face it, the reality is that no matter how much I try to plan, do, and review, things always get messy, and I have to learn to embrace the mess and the chaos.

It starts as early as October. For Arizonians, December is one of our favorite times of the year. In Arizona, we don’t have changing seasons. We have two seasons, hot and mild.  But mild is perfect.  With summer moving on, autumn ushers in the cooler weather as Halloween approaches, and with that opens the door to the biggest event I plan for the year, which is the gateway to everything that is wonderful life. Our annual Halloween party and chili cook-off gathers nearly 200-300 people who come dressed in some of the most elaborate costumes.  We have seen everything from a scarecrow to the white walkers.  Live music and dancing, food and games make this an event that starts it all and rolls on into the rest of the season with decorating, cookie exchanges, shopping, parties, and more parties.

Fun and expectations we set upon our shoulders in the name of making sure everyone has a wonderful Christmas Season. But how much of that is too much? Or is there such a thing? I don’t have the answer. Some may suggest and could say “back off,” but then I know me, and me wouldn’t be fulfilled. A physiatrist would say, “I get fulfillment from feeling in control and making sure everyone is happy.” He would be accurate. I have embraced it and can only try to improve each year.

Here are some things that may help you as you enter into December and embrace the chaos of the season with a smile on your face and lift to your step.

1. Plan out your calendar for the Holiday Season. Yes, I said season. It has to start as early as Halloween. Tickets for shows are purchased in advance and placed on the calendar. Schedules have to align for family events. It isn’t necessary to say yes to everything, but it should all be on the calendar. Down to the littlest thing, like when shopping has to occur for any event, or else something takes the place of that, and you find yourself stressing over going to the store to buy what is needed. Even though our kids have long since been out of the house, I still enjoy the decorations and annual events that stick to my calendar. This year in the midst of those things is working my schedule around others. This year has been a challenge as there are two little ones that I help my daughter with as she travels, sometimes for hours, to do photoshoots. Setting that time aside and moving things around may have to occur, but that also means some things just don’t get done, and well, I have to be okay with that. The calendar is one thing I live by.
2. Try something new. For example, if you have never seen a holiday show, then start with the least expensive ones at the local high schools or theater groups. Or if you attend a party every weekend, maybe stay in one night and enjoy the quiet with a movie and a cup of your favorite beverage.
3. Ask for help. Don’t be the martyr. You don’t have to do it all. It can get done with the use of other people’s hands and feet.
4. Let go of comparing yourself to others. You’re not perfect, and that is okay. I have to tell myself this constantly.  It does me no good to compare myself with others. Unforeseen things happen, and I have learned to embrace all the ugliness that may come with it.
5. Practice kindness and patience. . A smile goes a long way. Amidst the hustle and bustle a please and thank you are words that are heartfelt and can turn someone’s bad moment around. It is said you can’t frown and smile at the same time, and smiling does the body good.
6. Step back and reassess. Consider if the tradition you have is worth continuing. Maybe it needs to change, or a new one needs to be embraced. We have a tendency to be creatures of habit and fall victim to doing something because our mother did it and her mother before. Breaking out of the norm can be challenging and also add some excitement.
7. Schedule downtime. Yes, find a day or even an hour where it is all about just you. This season brings out the crazy in all of us. We are dashing from store to store, or from decorating room to room, and planning events, but having the ability to just breathe and relax to regroup is essential. Take a walk and breathe in the night air. Lay in a quiet room with no phone, no T.V and just the twinkling lights from the tree. Or take an hour nap. You will feel refreshed and ready for the next thing on your list.

Happy Holidays. I hope your season is everything you wish for and more.

This was written by our contributing writer, Shannon Hrimnak.