I've never been one for Black Friday shopping.  Perhaps it's my social anxiety and aversion to large crowds.  If it's your thing though no judgment.  I think for some people it's almost a sport, a form of entertainment to get up early and go shopping the day after Thanksgiving.  And I certainly appreciate the bargain hunters out there who know a good deal when they see one. 

But I also want to let you know it's ok to slow down this holiday season.  Just because Thanksgiving is over doesn't mean that you need to rush to get your Christmas shopping done.  Consider taking a minute to breath in the chilly November air.

Before you get swept away in the tasks and obligations of the holiday season let's stop and remember what the holidays are supposed to be about.  They are meant to be a time of love, celebration, connecting with friends and family, and if you are religious a very spiritual time.

So give yourself permission to slow down and scale back if you need to.  If you love decorating your home for the holidays, go for it.  If it's just a chore then simplify.  If you love the atmosphere of shopping at stores for gifts then do it.  If not, order gifts online (Amazon Prime rocks!). 

Perhaps instead of buying tons of gifts or making lots of food you focus on spending some time with those you care about.  And instead of running yourself ragged trying to get everything done, see if you can make this a relaxing season.

It's ok to step back from the cultural hustle and bustle of this season and to slow down.  Do what is right for you.  You are worth it. Give yourself the gift of self-compassion this holiday season.