No More Crappy Holidays!
Author: Randy Peyser

Dreading the holidays? If you want to transform your potentially “crappy” holiday season into a much brighter experience, try the following 11 Tips from Randy Peyser, the author of “Crappy to Happy: Small Steps to Big Happiness NOW!” (www.crappytohappy.com)

1. VISITING A PROBLEM RELATIVE? EAT AT A CHINESE RESTAURANT!
Imagine shrinking your gnarly relative into a Chinese food take-out box. Pretend he is munchkin sized and has a little itsy bitsy voice. Even when he screams, "Help. Let me out of here!," you can go about your day knowing that although you still need to deal with this gnome, he’s no longer bigger than you are.

2. KNOW YOUR “PSP.”
If you want to be happy around your family over the holidays, know your “PSP” -- your “Parent Saturation Point” -- and lovingly make your exit before you’ve reached it!

3. GOING TO A HOLIDAY PARTY? GIVE UP THE NOTION OF HAVING PERFECT HAIR OR THE PERFECT BODY
You might as well accept yourself the way you are. There are only five people on the planet at any given time who have perfect hair or the perfect body, and chances are, you and I are not one of them.

4. LEARN THE ART OF NON-COMPROMISE
Sometimes we compromise ourselves by attending family functions we really don’t want to attend. When we compromise ourselves, nobody wins. Before you commit to attending any holiday function, think about whether that event would nurture you, then make your choice based on what you truly need.

5. MEASURE THE SUCCESS OF EACH DAY BY THE LOVE YOU'VE SHARED
You never know what others are experiencing as they go through this holiday season, so soften your gaze and look through kind eyes. Smile. You just might make the biggest difference in someone else’s day.

6. FILE IT
If a holiday upset cannot be resolved immediately, write it down and place it in a “Healing” file. You’ll feel better because your mind will be freed up so you don't have to continually keep all the thoughts, facts, and figures circulating in your head.

7. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE
Whatever you're thinking or feeling, you will attract more of the same. Therefore, sift out as many negative thoughts about the holidays as you can and replace them with positive ones.

8. TURN INWARD TO TOUCH THE DIVINE
Light a candle and listen to the sound of the flame. Just sit with the silence. Breathe and listen. Divine inspiration may come in a whisper, so be open, ready and willing.

9. GO STUFF A TURKEY—MAKE EVERY DAY THANKSGIVING
Since whatever we think multiplies, start appreciating what you already have rather than longing for what you don't. As you keep expressing gratitude, more and more will show up in your life to be grateful for. As you notice the good things that are happening, put on your Pilgrim suit and gives thanks.

10. FEEL ALL OF YOUR FEELINGS, EVEN THE DIFFICULT ONES
Let yourself feel any difficult feelings. Pain comes and pain goes. It might come again, and then it will go again. Keep riding the waves as each feeling ebbs and flows. This process takes time and courage, but is well worth the effort. Trust that there is a greater purpose at work here. Ultimately you will arrive at a new and better shore.

11. ANGELS ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS—SO SIGN UP
We are all here to be each other’s angels, so why not gather some friends and create an Angel Team? Give what it is that you want most to receive this holiday season. After giving your best, let the Divine do the rest.






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Randy Peyser is the author of the best seller, "Crappy to Happy: Small Steps to Big Happiness NOW!" www.crappytohappy.com.

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