Tips for Relaxing and Enjoying the Season

Even though this time of year is known for magic and happiness, we all know it can be especially stressful.  Here's some things we are doing to try to keep our balance. 

• Make a List. We are not natural list-makers in this household, so this tip has been especially helpful for us. Making a list forces our brains to slow down and plan for a bit. In making a list we feel more in control, and therefore less stressed. Plus, we're in good company -- Santa has a list too!
• Do Less, But Be Intentional About Priorities. Sometimes the expectations we feel are placed on ourselves BY ourselves!  We've been thinking about what REALLY needs to happen this season, and it's okay if we don't do all the things. Having honest conversations and setting expectations is the key to making this work. One thing we decided we wanted to do this year is to work on a puzzle in the evenings. So we are making that happen this year, and we've had some lovely moments doing this as a family. We got this year's puzzle (pictured above) at the Lynd Market.
• Enjoy the Little Things. Sipping hot chocolate. Listening to Christmas music. Working a puzzle. Watching a Christmas movie together. Driving around looking at lights. Spending time by the fire. These are a few of our favorite things! (cue the music, ha ha!) 

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• Prioritize the Basics. When we are feeling off, it's often because we haven't eaten healthy food, drank enough water, or slept enough. Reminding ourselves of these basics can mean the difference between a good day and a not-so-good one. Taking daily vitamins is part of this for us. We've recently read about the correlation between Vitamin D and our immune systems, so we are including Vitamin D in our vitamin regiment. 
• Remember the Reason. Reflecting on the meaning of the Christmas season and focusing on hope, light, and redemption help us to keep everything in perspective. It's amazing how quickly life can seem to spiral out of control, so we have to constantly remind ourselves of this. 

We wish you all the best as you navigate through this season. May your days be filled with peace and joy. 
~Ben and Polly