Holiday Stress? I don't know anyone that has that... the holidays are the easiest time of the y

Years ago I was working at a company that was on a tremendous growth curve. It was a very exciting time for all of us along with the usual pressures that come with success. In addition to growing responsibilities at work, a colleague of mine in a senior leadership role, was also a newly divorced mother of two teen-agers

The holidays were upon us and all the pressures that come with that. With this time of year come additional pressures for the projects called Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukah, as well as family demands and needs. I had her think back on her own experiences at the holidays, about what was special or important to her as a youngster and then as an adult. What struck her was how often her memories were about being with friends and family. Then I had her create a picture of the way she would like the holidays to be.

She decided to talk with her two children, to take them through the same exercise, to see what was most striking to them. Of course they loved the decorations and gifts, but as they thought it through, they had the same value of being surrounded by friends and family. Though they had enjoyed the fancy dinner at home, what came through loud and clear, was they wanted a place to gather people around them who were meaningful to them. Being part of the vision of their new holiday incentivized them to plan and be part of the preparations. Meals became more casual and doable, with the teens joining in. This would be a different holiday for them but no less meaningful or fun.

So, sit down in a quiet place and think back at what you remember about the holidays. What was going on activity wise or what experiences stand out to you? Family visiting? Putting up lights or making decorations? Seeing the lights downtown or in neighborhoods? Baking? Shopping? Or was it special gatherings of friends and family, outings to ski or ice skate? Caroling? Then think about how you would like the holidays to be. You can probably incorporate some of what you were in awe of or had fun doing, with how you would like it to be.

Renewal can come from adding some new experiences. Try a new tradition this year, one that incorporates being in a new place or just doing something new for fun. Maybe you and your team can do this simple exercise, too.