The big holiday season is upon us starting with the Halloween sugar coma, followed by the Thanksgiving turkey tryptophan coma and segueing right into the hustle and bustle of Kwanza, Hanukkah and Christmas.
It’s enough to give one heart palpitations…especially when you’ve just come off of a 7pm - 7 am shift and you have a feast and family to prepare for in just a few short days.
Here are some suggestions to help keep you sane during an insane season. We’ve even made it easy to remember with a handy little mnemonic device based on many holiday feasts’ main attraction…TURKEY.
T - Take Time.
This is simple. Do what you can to prepare ahead so that you’re not in a panic at the last minute. Be low-key with your decorating. Treat yourself to a maid service a day or two before your holiday event. Plan ahead with menu items and make what you can in the weeks before your holiday gathering and stick it in the freezer. Many recipes, especially our beloved southern casseroles, lend themselves well to freezing. On the day before - thaw. On the day of - heat and serve.
U - Utilize Shortcuts.
Those domestic divas that populate our television screens would have you believe that if each element of a holiday gathering is not done precisely and completely by hand, then it is not a true reflection of your devotion to your friends and loved ones. Hogwash. Your family does not care at all if sage leaves have been arranged in a pleasing pattern beneath the skin of your perfectly roasted turkey. They care about spending time with you.
So, it’s okay to cheat a little. Many grocery stores and restaurants offer delicious precooked items like ham and turkey. If you still want to do it yourself, you can save time by buying a pre-brined bird or a ham that’s already cooked…it just needs to be reheated with your special glaze.
R - Rely on Family.
There is no shame in asking family members to pitch in. In fact, it often makes them feel more included in the event. Make your holiday meal a potluck. Aunt Marge would be delighted to bring her secret recipe pumpkin pie and Uncle Earl would be happy to share his holiday punch…with a little extra kick.
K - Keep Counting Those Blessings.
The holidays are a time when many people feel blue. You may have experienced a life trauma in the past year that is magnified at the holidays. Also, as a caregiver, you are already stretched thin, working with people who have health issues. This can bring on feelings of depression too.
If you find yourself feeling this way, find someone you trust to talk to.
Also, do something kind for someone else. Often the best way to put our own issues into perspective is by helping someone less fortunate. It’s easy to see the ways in which you are blessed when faced with the stark reality of someone else’s difficulties.
E - Enjoy!
The whole point of a gathering is to enjoy the people you love. Get out of the kitchen or from behind the buffet table and spend time with your guests. Catch up. Laugh. Share a hug. It really is the most important thing.
And finally
Y - You.
It seems counterintuitive to focus on yourself during a family holiday. However, a wise person once noted that if your well is dry, you can’t offer refreshment to someone else. Refill your well. Step out for a breath of fresh air. Take a long soak in a bubble bath. Take a nap while someone else does the dishes. Meditate. Pray. Whatever makes you feel refreshed…take a moment and do it.
