6 Totally Obvious Ways To Make The Holidays Better And More Meaningful

The Holiday season is almost here, which means a lot of shopping and fretting about how your home looks, what food you'll serve, what you'll buy your friends and loved ones, what you'll wear at your numerous parties, and what'll be on your personal Christmas list. This can lead to a very busy time of plenty of action, and little time for yourself. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind this holiday season:

1. Be thankful: It's easy to focus on what you don't have or what you need; but there's always plenty to be thankful for. When you're grateful for what you have and the people in your life, you'll feel better, you'll experience happiness. It's not easy to do all the time--it takes effort sometimes--but it's important to work at.

2. Find solitude: The holidays can be a time of incessant social gatherings, which may lift your spirits, but can also drain your energy. Solitude is a way to charge your batteries and be present for your thoughts and feelings and what's going on in your life. 

3. Drink and eat less: Alcohol is a depressant, and too much food can make you feel down and depressed as well. There will be innumerable moments to eat and drink; finding the right balance of enjoyment and self-control will be critical. The last thing you want is to get to the end of the holiday season having gained too much weight and regretting decisions made while under the influence of alcohol.

4. Get a designated driver: If you are going out partying, make sure you've got a designated driver, and you're thus avoiding putting your safety at risk. 

5. Where can you serve? It's easy to make the holidays all about 'me'; but everyone knows it's when we serve others that we are at our best. Find ways to serve people, whether in your family, friends, or others in need. 

6. Think of other things: There are all kinds of ways to create meaning around your holidays. Ask yourself, how can I make a difference in someone's life this holiday? How can I spread more love and peace around me? How can I gratefully give back for what I've been blessed with.