No More Crappy Holidays!

Dreading the holidays? If you want to transform your potentially "crappy" holiday season into a much brighter experience, try the following tips from Randy Peyser, the author of Crappy to Happy: Small Steps to Big Happiness NOW!

1. VISITING A PROBLEM RELATIVE? EAT AT A CHINESE RESTAURANT!

Imagine shrinking your gnarly relative into a Chinese food take-out box. Pretend he is munchkin sized and has a little itsy bitsy voice. Even when he screams, "Help. Let me out of here!," you can go about your day knowing that although you still need to deal with this gnome, he's no longer bigger than you are.

2. TAME YOUR WORRY MONSTER.

Worries are usually about something that may or may not occur in the future. If worry is sneaking up on you this holiday season, recognize that in this present moment, you are safe. Look at your surroundings. Feel this moment. Smell this moment. Touch this moment. Be in this moment alone.

3. GET ALL THE SUPPORT YOU NEED.

Make a list of friends you can call on in case of difficult times, and keep this list handy. Also ask for heavenly assistance. Someone up there may be eagerly waiting to hear from you.

4. KNOW YOUR "PSP."

If you want to be happy around your family over the holidays, know your "PSP" -- your "Parent Saturation Point" -- and lovingly make your exit before you've reached it!

5. BE AN ANGEL IN YOUR PAST

If you recall a painful holiday memory from your ancient history, imagine that you are an angel. Go to that former Self who experienced so much pain and comfort her. Tell her that, in time, things will work out. Hold her as she weeps. Be very gentle with your sweet Self, in the past, present and future. Your love is essential to your healing.

6. GOING TO A HOLIDAY PARTY? GIVE UP THE NOTION OF HAVING PERFECT HAIR OR THE PERFECT BODY

You might as well accept yourself the way you are. There are only five people on the planet at any given time who have perfect hair or the perfect body, and chances are, you and I are not one of them.

7. LEARN THE ART OF NON-COMPROMISE

Sometimes we compromise ourselves by attending family functions that we really don't want to attend. When we compromise ourselves like that, nobody wins. Before you commit to attending any holiday function, think about whether that event would nurture you, then make your choice based on what you truly need.

8. MEASURE THE SUCCESS OF EACH DAY BY THE LOVE YOU'VE SHARED

You never know what others are experiencing as they go through this holiday season, so soften your gaze and look through kind eyes. Smile. You just might make the biggest difference in someone else's day.

9. NOTICE BEAUTY

Even if the holidays feel unbearable, the birds still sing and the flowers still grow. Walk in nature. Take every opportunity you can to notice the beauty that surrounds you.

10. FILE IT

If a holiday upset cannot be resolved immediately, write it down and place it in a "Healing" file. You'll feel better because your mind will be freed up so you don't have to continually keep all the thoughts, facts, and figures circulating in your head.

11. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE

Whatever you're thinking or feeling, you will attract more of the same. Therefore, sift out as many negative thoughts about the holidays as you can and replace them with positive ones.

12. PRAY FOR THE MAGICAL UNFOLDING OF YOUR DAY

Each morning, bless the day ahead of you by asking that it be filled with peace, a pleasant surprise, comfort, or any other quality you desire. Be specific, then notice how your day unfolds.

13. LET THE CORNERS OF YOUR LIPS TURN INTO A SMILE

Lighten up. Practice smiling, then work up to laughing. It's good for your immune system.

14. TURN INWARD TO TOUCH THE DIVINE

Light a candle and listen to the sound of the flame. Just sit with the silence. Breathe and listen. Divine inspiration may come in a whisper, so be open, ready and willing.

15. GO STUFF A TURKEY-MAKE EVERY DAY THANKSGIVING

Since whatever we think multiplies, start appreciating what you already have rather than longing for what you don't. As you keep expressing gratitude, more and more will show up in your life to be grateful for. As you notice the good things that are happening, put on your Pilgrim suit and gives thanks.

16. STAY IN THE FLOW OF THE DAY

Answers come-they always do. But not always the second you want them. Each day will bring you a special gift if you stay open to receive it. Stay in the flow of what happens today. There is a plan for this day. Your answer will come at its proper time.

17. FEEL ALL OF YOUR FEELINGS, EVEN THE DIFFICULT ONES

If you are feeling painful feelings right now, don't stuff them. Let yourself feel your feelings. Pain comes and pain goes. It might come again, and then it will go again. Keep riding the waves as each feeling ebbs and flows. This process takes time and courage, but is well worth the effort. Trust that there is a greater purpose at work here. Ultimately you will arrive at a new and better shore.

18. ANGELS ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS-SO SIGN UP

We are all here to be each other's angels, so why not gather some friends and create an Angel Team? Give what it is that you want most to receive this holiday season. After giving your best, let the Divine do the rest.

About the Author: Randy Peyser is the author of Crappy to Happy: Small Steps to Big Happiness NOW! Go to www.crappytohappy.com to buy the book or see when she'll be speaking in your area.