Staying Happy Throughout the Holidays

'Tis the season again. I find most people either love the holidays or hate 'em. For those of you who are fans of the holidays you may find that you're pretty happy, but perhaps even you might like to have more energy, feel less frantic and get more sleep. And for those of you who get a case of the blues over the holidays, there's a lot you can do to increase your spirits. For starters, how many of you are good at saying No? Or, even saying Yes, if it means showing up alone? This holiday season, give yourself permission to say no to at least one holiday obligation. You really don't have to do everything. You have the right to get some rest and maintain your sanity (and your health) and spend some of your time doing something that puts a smile on your face. For those of you who are without family, friends or a significant other to celebrate the joys of the season with, there's no need to be alone or feel left out. Say Yes when you're invited out - what a perfect opportunity to meet others if you won't know anyone there! What follows are some suggestions to increase your joy by giving, find like-minded others to share in the holiday merriment or ring in the New Year with.

Find Joy Through Giving:

- Yonge Street Mission

- Covenant House Toronto
- Ontario Association of Food Banks
- Good Shepherd Refuge
- Children's Aid Society of Toronto
- Second Harvest
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto
- Canadian Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Inner City Angels
- Distress Centres of Toronto
- Kids Help Phone
- Toronto Humane Society

Share the Holidays with Others:

- Host a Holiday Potluck for Others that are Alone

- Go out to a Bar/Restaurant - you'll be sure to find others to celebrate with

- Decide to make every Moment Count (attitude really is everything)

- Take a discounted Last Minute Vacation to a hotspot over the holidays

Often, it's our idealistic expectations of what the Holidays 'should' be like that gets the better of us. Lower your expectations so that you can enjoy the moment and keep your mood light. Being able to smile and laugh easily will make others feel connected and loved and will go so much further than the perfect meal, outfit or gift ever could.

I'd love to hear from you. What are some of your tips for keeping the Holidays happy?