“You’re in the red zone! Get back to green!” A parent on our baseball team called out to his son while he was pitching, game after game. One day, my curiosity got the better of me. He explained that it’s his code for when his son is overthinking—trying too hard, tensing up, and throwing balls. If he can make a mental shift, he’ll get back into the green zone and throw strikes.
Ah, man. I can relate to the feeling of being in the red zone during the holidays, when everything seems to be a struggle and stress mounts. I just want to know how to have a great Christmas—to bring my best self to this special time of year and provide some memorable moments for my family along the way. But I can’t do that from the red zone. If we’re willing to acknowledge what’s causing us to get stuck in that red zone and make a few shifts, we can get back to that mentally “good place.” Here are 3 red zone scenarios and how to make those shifts.
1. You’re overthinking all things Christmas.
Because you want it to be a special, memorable Christmas, you find yourself overthinking everything from what Christmas activities you’re going to attend to what you’re going to get for your mother-in-law. You’re worried and indecisive, and this leads to a stressful feeling that you can’t seem to shake. Yep, you’re in the red zone, and it’s likely your family feels your stress, too.
Get in the green zone: At Christmas time, we’re running a decision marathon, so you must pace yourself. One way I like to do this is by choosing the first good option I come across, rather than comparing endless options and going down the internet rabbit hole. Another way to pace yourself is to listen to experts on organization and time management. One of my favorites is Kendra Adachi from “The Lazy Genius” podcast. She says to “name what matters most” and let the other things go. Here are a few other way to be more decisive so you can get to the good stuff, like kissing your husband under the mistletoe!
2. You’re snapping at everyone.
Want to have that Christmas spirit but feel more like Ebenezer Scrooge? Maybe you’re not saying “bah humbug,” but your fuse is pretty short (especially in the Target parking lot)! Traffic, crowds, overspending, and exhaustion can suck the merry right out of you. The good news is you can get it back, and you don’t need visits from the three ghosts of Christmas to do it.
Get in the green zone: Take a moment to ask yourself what’s really bothering you. What’s at the root? If you can determine that, you can find a remedy for it. Maybe Christmas stirs up sad feelings for you. Try planning an activity that would bring someone else joy, like collecting items for your local food pantry or bringing a gift to someone in the hospital. Are you feeling sluggish? Cut down on the sugar cookies, and make sure you’re getting a little extra sleep.
3. You feel like nothing is meeting your expectations.
Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you try, things just don’t seem to go the way you’d hoped? Ice skating downtown ended in tears, your teen refused to wear the matching pajamas, and your son screamed on Santa’s lap. After several of these kinds of days, you start to wish Christmas would just be over already.
Get in the green zone: I need a reminder every single Christmas that life is not like a Hallmark movie. Stop expecting all highs and no lows just because it’s December. Chaos doesn’t take a holiday; it’s going to show up, and it’s not your fault. It’s OK to lament the lows, but don’t forget to look for the good, the funny, and the sweet little moments, too. Like the way your toddler’s eyes light up the first time you turn on the Christmas lights, or that familiar smell of cinnamon and homemade bread when you walk into your aunt’s house. You can find these moments if you keep your eyes peeled and your heart soft.
How do you stay in the green zone during the Christmas season?
