Black Friday: A Holiday Survival Tip from New American Dream
Black Friday is the traditional beginning to “the most wonderful time of the year,” but it’s more of a psychological turning point than a festive kick-off. The malls have already been decked out for weeks in red and green, holiday commercials and catalogs are rampant, and despite the sudden shift into the “official” shopping season, it will be many days before most of the real fun begins. Like many people, I have mixed feelings about this stretch of time when people are expected to shop, decorate, bake, run around, and shop some more.
TIP: I feel it's important to set one goal for yourself before you run around trying to meet anyone else’s expectations. Take a moment to think of just one thing you would most want to change about the way you celebrate, one activity you would really enjoy doing that you never find time for, or some other challenge or initiative you find meaningful. It could be about doing less of something (for example, setting a firm dollar limit on spending, lower than last year) or doing something new (like my coworker, who has pledged to go caroling this year as a way to have fun with her family). Perhaps you’ve thought about volunteering or donating to a local charity, but have never actually followed through—now’s the time! My own goal is to build more quiet time into my December schedule, including dedicated time to do yoga, meditate, and goof off. Today I’ll go through my weekly calendar and make “appointments” like: “6:00-7:00 AM: Wake-Up thru Yoga, Balance Ball, or other Meditation.” Whatever it is that will make a positive difference, try putting it at the top of your checklist instead of vowing to squeeze it in later.
By the way, today is Buy Nothing Day. While I'll be buying more than nothing to get through the season, the symbolism of a day off from shopping can be a meaningful and challenging start to the holiday rush. Learn more at adbusters.org/metas/eco/bnd/ and check out www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMhQy9ZikZs for a fun video on Nothing... which might be just what you’re looking for right now.
Cheers and good luck!
TIP: I feel it's important to set one goal for yourself before you run around trying to meet anyone else’s expectations. Take a moment to think of just one thing you would most want to change about the way you celebrate, one activity you would really enjoy doing that you never find time for, or some other challenge or initiative you find meaningful. It could be about doing less of something (for example, setting a firm dollar limit on spending, lower than last year) or doing something new (like my coworker, who has pledged to go caroling this year as a way to have fun with her family). Perhaps you’ve thought about volunteering or donating to a local charity, but have never actually followed through—now’s the time! My own goal is to build more quiet time into my December schedule, including dedicated time to do yoga, meditate, and goof off. Today I’ll go through my weekly calendar and make “appointments” like: “6:00-7:00 AM: Wake-Up thru Yoga, Balance Ball, or other Meditation.” Whatever it is that will make a positive difference, try putting it at the top of your checklist instead of vowing to squeeze it in later.
By the way, today is Buy Nothing Day. While I'll be buying more than nothing to get through the season, the symbolism of a day off from shopping can be a meaningful and challenging start to the holiday rush. Learn more at adbusters.org/metas/eco/bnd/ and check out www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMhQy9ZikZs for a fun video on Nothing... which might be just what you’re looking for right now.
Cheers and good luck!
posted by Wendy Hughes-Jelen @ 3:36 PM
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