Holiday Hint: Holler "Help!"

Today's post is gift number two for developing the "real joy" of the Holidays.  Don't forget the anagram REAL JOY is what we are using to understand the skills.  Last week you made a "List" of the important events and traditions.  This week we are looking at "E"- the next step.

E is enlist the aide of others. Rather than doing everything yourself, make preparations a group goal.  When you created your list last week you had the whole family involved.  This week it is time for each person to take on assignments. 

This may be very hard for you if you are used to taking on all the responsibilities.  It requires you ask for help and expect others to do part of the work. 

You also have to let go of being controlling.  When the job belongs to someone else, you can't tell them how to do it.  It means you have to treat them as capable to complete the job they take on.

Making the list with your whole family gives you a leg up on splitting responsibilities.  As you discussed what is important to each family member, you learned who is invested in certain traditions.  They can be in charge of those things. 

• If the kids love the pretty table settings, then they can set the table.
• If your spouse likes the decorated mantle, then they can decorate the mantle.
• If you love getting and sending Holiday cards, then you can do that.
• Whatever part of the feast someone likes and requests, they can be in charge of that food.  If Aunt Irma really loves the cranberry dressing, give her the recipe and ask her to bring it.  
• Actually, have everyone bring a dish for dinner if you are hosting.  Provide the main dishes and the rest are brought by others.
• Ask family members to address envelopes, shop for groceries, or decorate the house. 
• If you are having a huge party you might hire help.  Bring in cleaners or caterers for larger events.

You may also find when you made your important traditions lists that doing some things together is a priority.  Decorating the tree together was always special in my family.  We still do it every year, and no one is left doing it all alone.  Some of your traditions may be a group task building togetherness.

Your courageous work this week is to ask for help with the list you made.  Holler for help if you need to.  Don't take it all on yourself and let others be involved so they can share in the success of it all getting done.  Success helps with real joy as does doing things together.

Click the comment button below and tell us your experiences 

with asking for help at the Holidays!

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