I often thought adults were odd when they commented on how fast time goes by, as I counted down the achingly slow minutes to my next childhood milestone. As an adult, I still think we’re odd, but I understand the time thing.

Tomorrow we step into December, a month jam-packed full of emotions, some fabulous, some devastating. There is great pressure to be in love with our families, even if during the rest of the year, we can’t stand each other. The barrage of advertisements to consume toys, gifts, foods and beverages – it’s all about how much retailers can get us to spend this month so they can make their annual sales quotas.

There are un-fun work parties we are obligated to attend. Community events we try to cram into our already busy schedules. And then there are the traditions that we sometimes break our backs to uphold. There is also an outpouring of compassion for those in need, true joy and delight in spending time with those we love, and some opportunity to kick up our heels and throw a spark into the dark, cold nights.

Amongst it all, many of us grapple with our own stressors. Dressing up for holiday parties can cause panic over one’s appearance. The shame and guilt that are liberally spread over holiday foods take the joy out of breaking bread with friends. The cavern of loneliness found inside our heart, echoes.

So how do we cope? I’d like to hear your strategies!

For me, it’s about setting boundaries. I pick and choose which events I want to attend. I make tough choices about how to spend time with family. I focus on the things I love about the season – looking at holiday lights, singing Christmas songs, creating a warm and joyous environment to host friends and family. The rest, I try not to stress about. I work hard to not get caught up in other people’s ideals. I remove the world “should” from my vocabulary.  And I breathe.  I also practice yoga a LOT during December. It helps me stay grounded and confident about my choices.

For me, this time of year is about the spirit of giving.  This year, I am going to give to myself: time to unwind and the permission to celebrate on my own terms.