As much as I love the holiday season (it's my favorite time of year), it's a routine buster. Nothing is as it usually is. I work less, kids are home from school, husband is right there - all the time. My 30 minute limit in the kitchen every night becomes hours of holiday cooking. Most of the people (employees and business associates) who are part of my life for at least 8 hours a day are completely absent. I am visited by the ghosts of Christmas past who remind me about the beloved family members who are not with us anymore, and I fight back by focusing on those who are with me now, clamoring for my attention.
Lots of people struggle with the dramatic shift from the routine during the holidays, not just the ADHD friends among us.
So, how do I deal with this period of non-routine without going crazy, hurting someone, or running back to the office early? Here are a few tricks I can share:
- Make some time for yourself every day. Maybe it's an hour early in the morning or late in the evening, but don't minimize the need for your own time alone. I use it for prayer and meditation, and reading.
- Don't completely abandon the routine. Pick parts of your routine that you will keep over the holidays. I keep my morning routine as close to normal as possible. I also make sure to make some time to check my email and read every day.
- If you are uncomfortable, tell those you love. Wouldn't you want to know if some you loved was a bit out of sorts? Speaking up about your discomfort can take away some of its power and make things a little easier.
- Remember that your regular routine will return soon. Normal will come back. Don't worry. Enjoy the distractions. Knowing that you'll have your routine back soon can give you the freedom to really enjoy now.
My time of escape to write this is almost over. It's time to step back into that holiday world.
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