Happiness during the holidays

For so many people this can be a very hard time of year. There are a lot of factors at play during the holidays and as always, is completely up to YOU as to how you handle the added stresses during this time.

I am a big fan of the word "no". Sometimes when I get stressed and have too much going I like to whine to my parents....they like that right!? My dad will usually let me get through most of it before he tells me to go stand in front of the mirror and practice the word "no". Surprisingly it has worked! I have gotten a lot better at saying no! (I still have a really hard time saying no to a good bargain, or a homeless dog but that's another story)   It is muscle memory. When you get on a plane it is good practice to buckle and unbuckle your seat belt multiple times before take off. You are supposed to do it with one hand. For real. I actually do this every time I get on a plane. The theory is that you will have muscle memory so that if the plane crashes and you live, you will easily be able to undo your seat belt. When you are in a stressful situation and are put on the spot during the holiday season having practiced saying no will come in handy!

We also need to know our limitations, financially and with our time. We have 365 days in the year to get together with friends and have social gatherings, so why do we try to jam it into a couple weeks? When you start to feel overwhelmed during the holidays thinking of all the visiting you "have" to do, remember......everyday is just as important as the next. "Everyday above ground is a good one" Take advantage of the 365 days in every year and  spend time with the people you love throughout the year! Financial stress unfortunately for many goes hand in hand with the holidays. It is really too bad but so common. Nothing like taking away from the Christmas Spirit by worrying abut money. Know your limitations and be ok with them. Planning and sticking to a budget will ease so much stress and allow you to enjoy the holidays......and when the glow of Christmas morning dims you won't have to ring in the new year by playing catch up with your finances!

I am a big fan of homemade gifts. Baking some Christmas goodies for a friend is a nice one and you are baking anyway so just double the recipe. I think a coupon or coupon book is a good one too.....it sounds kind of cheesy but the gift of time is absolutely priceless. Maybe you make a voucher for a card night or dinner date (you cook) at a later date, maybe you offer to babysit your friends kids one night for them in the new year so they can go out! Time is a gift we so often overlook but one that will never go out of style and will always be appreciated. Some people are crafty....like a fox, and some people are actually crafty; if you are one of the actual crafty people then make a craft! It doesn't have to be a Christmas craft, it can be something for outdoors or a home decor item! Have a look on Pintrest or wander around Michael's to get some ideas - have fun with it! Keep in mind how much the person you give it to is going to love it - whether it turns out "Martha Stewart-ish" or it becomes more of a conversation piece to giggle about - they are going to love the thought! 

So get out there and do your best to make the holidays happy and stress-free! 

An early Christmas present!

 I have been lucky enough to volunteer with an animal rescue organization that serves Rural Alberta, I take photos for them when the animals are in foster homes near our place. 

It works so great for me because I love dogs, I love taking pictures and I love the feeling I get from a selfless act!

A few weeks ago I was able to take photos of a cute little pup named Larry! When I got home I told my husband what a cute and gentle little guy he was and that I just knew he would love him and could we, oh could we please bring him home.....I also used my best puppy dog eyes on him. After some discussion, he agreed and we started the adoption process. He already had a family interested and so we let it go - happy that he was going to get a good home. A few days later I noticed that his photos were still up on the website and so I emailed to see what was going on and to let them know we were still interested! It turned out that he was available for adoption and as they say the rest is history! 

We have had him now for three weeks and he is settling in to his new home and his new name....Rusty! He is a puppy - which isn't something we have dealt with before so we are doing our best to enjoy the puppy stage and to be patient with this little baby dog! He is learning how to interact with the other dogs, he is trying to figure out the kitty and horses and he is learning that our shoes are not chew toys!! 

Rusty is bringing much happiness to our lives at the moment; we are looking forward to getting to know him better, seeing more of his personality and teaching him how to be a good boy!