Six Tips for Managing Grief During the Holidays
back to all Grief is difficult at any time of the year but none more so than over the holidays. Have you lost a loved
Laurie Poole, MS, LPC
December 17, 2018
The holidays can be AMAZING. They can also be stressful. There are definitely things you can do when decorating that lower potential holiday stress. With that said, all that cooking business, please call your mama, sister, a best friend or maybe your favorite restaurant capable of cracking out a turkey!
1. Preview all of your holiday decorations.
Before you rush out to buy the latest version of what you probably already own go through what you already have. If it’s in bad condition or broken go ahead and replace away!
2. Use what you have.
90% of people already have way more holiday decor than they need. Maybe, just maybe, we can decorate a little less this year because do you really need that fifth tree?
3. Donate.
If you haven’t used a holiday decor item in the last 2-3 years, you’re probably not gonna. Think about donating unused items now “before” the holidays so someone else might receive them in time to enjoy them this year.
4. Organize before decorating.
Separate your holiday decorations by event/holiday so when it’s time to take down the current holiday you are prepared to put up the next.
5. Make a commitment, like today.
Use clear bins with white lids (no flip up handles, they eventually flip right off), so you can quickly identify what you’re looking for. Most people don’t remember what’s in those blue, green, red, black or purple plastic tubs in the attic. Digging and digging and digging is mega frustrating and takes some of the fun out of decorating. Acquire plenty of clear plastic bins before the holidays. More and more people are on the clear bin storage plan so please don’t kid yourself that they’ll be easy to find “after” the holidays. TRUST!
6. Be realistic.
We are not competing with Martha Stewart or Gwyneth Paltrow this holiday season! If thinking about holiday decorating is causing you some heart palpitations, THEN PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF SANTA SIMPLIFY! FYI, 120 red ornaments in glass containers on the mantle, dining table, coffee table, and breakfast table are totally acceptable decorating.
Most of all…
Slow down.
Breathe.
Organize yourself the best you can. The holidays are not a competition. Please be in the moment, or you might just miss it! Don’t let holiday stress take over.
Babs Golden
I’m a mother to 2 radically wonderful teenagers. I’ve traveled the world professionally but have always known Texas was home. I’m a passionate, down to earth organizer, designer and domestic habits coach. I’ve enjoyed a successful career in corporate space planning, product design and trend forecasting. I’ve opened hundreds of specialty retail stores, designed and executed corporate brands, store environments and marketing. I’ve also designed and organized too many custom homes and offices to count. Have I mentioned I love my job?!
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The holidays can be AMAZING. They can also be stressful. There are definitely things you can do when decorating that lower potential holiday stress. With that said, all that cooking business, please call your mama, sister, a best friend or maybe your favorite restaurant capable of cracking out a turkey!