How to Survive the Holiday Season

Video Transcript

Hello, everyone. Welcome to “How to Survive the Holiday Season.” Thank you for spending part of your evening with me. For those who don’t know me, I’m Dr. Shahana, a family physician, speaker, and a mother to three rambunctious boys.

Today’s talk is crucial as we approach the holiday season. It seems December has crept up on us, and suddenly we’re in full holiday swing. Recently, my son shared an amusing story from preschool about a blindfolded snowball fight, which struck me as a metaphor for the holiday season—throwing everything out there, hoping it lands perfectly.

I promise to keep this talk around 30 minutes, with the aim to offer thought-provoking insights and practical takeaways, not just comfort and inspiration.

Let’s talk about the picturesque holiday scene—the beautifully decorated tree, the Christmas carols, the scent of fresh cookies. It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, yet often, we feel weighed down by responsibilities and challenges.

Many patients come to me with physical symptoms, which, upon deeper examination, often stem from stress related to family, work, relationships, or health issues. Despite the idealized holiday image, our reality can be quite different.

So, how do we manage this? A better approach might be to expect some stress during the holiday season. High expectations often lead to disappointment. Acknowledging that there might be hiccups along the way can prepare us better.

I’ve created an acronym for this, represented by the ‘X’ in XMAS, which stands for Measure, Anticipate, and Story. These are the areas we’ll focus on.

Starting with ‘Measure’: Yesterday, I met a cashier at the dollar store who shared her story of loss and strength. Despite a challenging year, she chooses to focus on the positives, planning to make this holiday special for her remaining family. This story exemplifies how our focus can shape our holiday experience.

Next, ‘Anticipate’: I work with a young patient who struggles with severe social anxiety. By anticipating the presence of others at the store, she reduces the surprise element, which helps manage her anxiety. Preparing for potential difficulties can lessen their impact.

Lastly, ‘Story’: Every holiday season, I find myself anxious about packing for my family. This recurring narrative can create unnecessary stress. By examining the deeper significance of these stories, we can understand and perhaps change our reactions.

Before we conclude, think about how you want to feel this holiday season. Cultivate that feeling by recognizing what you need to be present and engaged.

We covered how to Measure your focus, Anticipate challenges, and understand your Story. As we wrap up, I encourage you to connect with me via my website and Instagram for more resources.

Thank you for sharing your evening with me. This webinar is recorded and will be available for those who missed it. Please feel free to reach out for additional resources to help you navigate this holiday season.