Finding Balance During the Holidays

We are well into the holiday season already! Wow. I’m still shocked that it is December and we have 5 days until Christmas! YIKES!

The holidays are a time to refresh and recharge before we all jump into the new year, yet many of us still need to reach some work-related goals during Christmas break. How do you go about doing this while still focusing on family and also on God, whose amazing love is the cause for all of the celebration?

I have a few tips for you, and I’d love to hear how you have successfully balanced writing and family during the holidays, too. Events might not be as frequent or large now that we have Coronavirus, but I do hope you are going to have some special times this year with family and friends!

1) Don’t neglect a deadline because of the holidays. Set aside a time each week, whether it be Mondays and Tuesdays or 8 a.m.-noon each day to write and reach your goals. If you have a designated time for writing, you will be able to designate time for your family as well.  You will also still be able to make that deadline.

2) Tell your family and friends ahead of time which days you are free and which are planned work days. This will help to cut down on those last-minute plans that throw off everything. Establishing a holiday schedule will save you from headaches and late nights while you try to catch up on the writing time that was missed.

3) If you aren’t on a deadline, consider setting the writing aside for two weeks and really spend that time with God and family. You will be able to jump back into your writing in the new year feeling refreshed and ready to write. Writing is a job, and almost everyone who can manage it takes time off from their jobs over Christmas. Allow yourself the same respite if you can.

4) Don’t work on Christmas and make time for church and time with God. The “holy days” should still be holy, even if you are busy.

5) Don’t skip your traditions because you are too busy. Families cling to holiday traditions. They are important to children especially, but everyone loves the traditions each year. If you go to the special children’s play at your church each year; or if you chop down your own Christmas tree; or if you bake cookies with friends, don’t change these fun times. You will regret not having spent that time with your family or friends after this busy season is over.

6) Evaluate your priorities and responsibilities and focus your attention appropriately.

7) Don’t over-commit yourself. If you are already bringing a dish to a church potluck, then don’t agree to bake pies for the annual Christmas party at your wife or husband’s work. If you meet with people at a care home, consider skipping the door-to-door Christmas caroling. Stay involved, but don’t over do it.

How do you balance work and family around the holidays?

What are some of the traditions you like to keep each year?