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Holiday Happiness with Less, by Coach DQ

Are you crazy yet? In this frenetic space between Thanksgiving and the end of year holidays, everywhere I look I see it - those tight jaws and sunken eyes, the stressed out 'merry maker' striving to be happy. On the flip side, I exchange heart-felt thanks and joyful greetings with many customers, business associates and friends that seem easier than at other times of the year. The difference seems to be in what attitude I take to the event.

If I am stressed out about perfection, things don't go nearly as well as when I just go with the flow. The same is true for gift giving and receiving. What if you just let yourself be you this year and enjoy what comes?

Create more happiness with less by letting go of overblown expectations. We are all perfectly imperfect. What do you need to let go of? Write it down and burn it.

Make a list of what you are tolerating about the holidays. Try for 100 or more things.

Review the list and make decisions - let it go, figure out a way to enjoy it, address it.

Imagine things simplified. What if you didn't have to buy a million gifts? How could you recognize folks without getting frustrated? Is there a charity you or they would appreciate giving to? What if you meet for coffee or give a gift certificate good for a movie in January instead of buying gifts? A friend I know gave her 96-year-old Grandmother six handwritten 'get out of exercise class free' certificates. Her Grandmother doesn't like hanging out with all those old people lifting their arms in the air, so my friend arranges to visit at exercise time to give her a break. How simple!

Give yourself a gift, of time or pampering or whatever you need. This includes asking for what you want! If you see a drop dead something you've been wanting - just buy it and enjoy it! Or, call your mother and ask her to get it for you. She will be thrilled that you actually like what she gives you!

Get over 'that's the way it is'. You are always at choice to continue or change things. Make the suggestion to change and see what happens.

Get over your stuff. If it truly is the way it is, change your perspective. If Aunt Susie truly loves to make 'that horrid dish' or give outlandish gifts, join her in the joy of the experience and see where it takes you!

Find joy and breath! Choose to wake up and be positive. Find or write a quote that brings you happiness and read it each morning.

Connect. Call someone you care about and haven't visited with. Create a tele-date if you can't get together and spend 10 or 60 minutes enjoying your relationship.

Relax and know. The holidays will come and go. You choose to be crazy or say no to those things that won't feed you. Know you are a magnificent, brilliant being who has the power and radiance to connect where it is most important ' heart to heart with those around you.

Peace and ease for the holiday season!