Be Entertaining This Holiday Season ~ Keeping it Real

OK all you wonderful women and moms who read my blog. How are you doing? Totally feeling the stress of pulling the holidays together for your family with just a few days still to go? I wanted to take a minute to talk to you (and me) today. Let’s talk about how to relieve stress and entertain for ourselves so we can enjoy the holidays. I did something drastic (yes that is a bit dramatic) yesterday with some help from Mirassou Winery who is sponsoring this post. I took a break….::Gasp::!

When was the last time you took a break? Did something relaxing for you? I know that there are tons of entertaining and parties we are responsible for or attend this time of year. We all know that, for the most part, we are doing the buying of present, stockings, Christmas cards, getting the tree, mailing gifts, wrapping presents, etc. It can feel overwhelming and stressful at best and maybe you feel like running away to Jamaica until the holidays are over at worst.

I think that as women, we tend to give tons to others and forget to give to ourselves. I’m not talking about selfishness here, even though many will interpret this that way. I’m talking about self-care. Entertaining for yourself.

We have a few fun family gatherings each year that I am responsible for. I always think of what everyone will enjoy in terms of drinks and appetizers. I make sure the house is tidy (and maybe clean). I make sure there are candles and the house smells good. Once my friends arrive, I make sure to take care of their needs. I make sure, as much as I can, that everyone has a great time. In the case of our making Gingerbread houses or even the Cake Party we just hosted, I usually am on my feet the whole time and don’t get to participate much. Does this sound familiar? I still absolutely love it and wouldn’t change or stop hosting these events. They are fun.

The reason, I bring up all of the ways in which I try to be a good host up, is to compare. When was the last time I took care of myself. Entertained for me. Thought of what I want to drink or eat. Took time to sit and enjoy Christmas, instead of worrying about everyone else and when the presents will get mailed or even fighting with my husband about why it is all my responsibility and why he can’t do some of it. When was I a hostess with the mostess for myself? I can now say, yesterday.

I was feeling totally overwhelmed with work and home and Christmas. I was at the store and I decided I needed a break. The thing is that saying I need a break and actually taking one are two different things. I find that it is easy to keep going, but if I plan something for myself…entertain for myself, I’m going to follow through with it because I’ve now spent some money on things and I don’t like to waste things like that. Plus it is fun to do something special for myself, just like it is fun to do something special for other people. Or am I the only one who feels that way?

I bought myself some pretty flowers, some chocolate covered pretzels that I love, and a new scented candle. Of course, I love relaxing at the end of the day with a great glass of wine, so I added my favorite Mirassou Pinot Noir and Mirassou Merlot, since I’m well over 21. (Oh and by the way to find Mirassou wines near you, use this store locator.) Thankfully Mirassou has the cute sun logo on the front of the bottle, which makes it really easy to spot among all those wine choices. Love it when things are easy! I bought two bottles since they are reasonably priced and it will encourage me to do this more than once in these days before Christmas.

I made a plan to entertain for myself. I made a plan to just sit and enjoy. I want to encourage you to do the same thing. It doesn’t have to be for long. 15 minutes would work if that is what you’ve got. I know you are like me. I know that the holidays are totally delightful and that they can get overwhelming. I know that most of us love making the holidays a special and magical time for our families. I also know that we need to take some time and care for ourselves.

Take some time to care for yourself, do something for yourself like you would to entertain for others. Think of what you love and do that something small for yourself. Whether it is a great glass of Mirassou wine(if you are over 21) or that favorite Christmas movie or both. 🙂 It may feel silly, but I’m telling you it will rejuvenate you so you can keep going and enjoy the holidays.

I did this last night. I really enjoyed sitting in my living room with the Christmas tree, but to be real, I ended up just watching a show on TV. I need to do better. I haven’t watched even one Christmas movie for me this year. I’ve watched a few of our family favorites, but none that indulge my love of romantic sappy Christmas movies. Tonight, I’m going to turn off the computer and the phone. ::Shocking:: I’m going to pick out a sappy movie and entertain for myself again. I’m going to enjoy my candle in the living room with only the Christmas lights on because I love that. I’m going to enjoy a little chocolate and a delicious glass of Mirassou wine. Just writing that I can feel myself unwinding and relaxing. I need that desperately. How about you?

What do you need this holiday season? What do you love that would be some great self-care so you can unwind and enjoy the holidays?

Here is a $3.00 coupon from Mirassou to help elevate your holidays and if you are like me, to give yourself a little self care.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Mirassou. 

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