5 Ways To Enjoy The Holiday While Still Working

Working during the holiday has its perks and downsides. On one hand, you’re getting holiday pay, and on the other, you’re missing out on prime family time. However, if you know how to juggle, you’ll find that you can do both, and one doesn’t have to overshadow the other. 

Time management and prioritizing are key to working on the holiday and spending time with family. Therefore, Her Agenda has gathered five ways to enjoy the holiday while still working.

Full-time workers are usually at their jobs more than at home, so decorating your workspace can be fun and comforting. It doesn’t take much either, you can go to your local dollar store and get lights, a mini tree, and a bowl, and place candy canes and goodies inside. Your coworkers will be drawn to your area, not by the merry cheer, but by the sweets!

Rest is not something that is often available during the holidays. There is a lot of busy on-the-go activity from buying and wrapping gifts, preparing food, and hosting. However, if you’re working for the holiday, you have to make time to give your body a reset. The bare minimum you need is seven to eight hours a night to function efficiently.

According to Love Heal Grow, when you begin to accept that your boundaries are important and reasonable, it is easier to establish them. As you prepare to set boundaries with family, keep in mind or repeat to yourself these key principles: 

1. Being honest is not being unkind: It is not mean to set a boundary or advocate for your own needs. 
2. You are responsible for your boundaries, but not others’ emotions: Your loved ones are prone to react to boundary setting, this is not because you are being hurtful or mean, but likely because they have benefited from your lack of boundaries in the past. 
3. This is an ongoing learning process: Your loved ones may need ongoing reminders of your boundaries. It is your responsibility to uphold, edit, and communicate your boundaries. Everyone is learning here.
4. Setting boundaries IS an act of love: While boundaries may feel harsh and hurtful, they ultimately allow you to be more present, less resentful, build healthier relationships, and enjoy the time you choose to spend with loved ones. 

Make the time with your family meaningful and special. Play games together, eat, sing, and create new traditions. Life can get hectic, time flies, and you may not see them as often as you would like. By spending quality time during the holidays, you’re making new memories and prioritizing what matters: family.

Coworkers can feel like family at times; after all, you may see them more than you see the people you live with. Don’t feel ashamed to celebrate with your coworkers by having a potluck or a secret Santa exchange. The holidays are about being merry and bright. Spread the cheer!