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| [PHOTO: AZAdam/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0] |
"While these can be our best years ever, the holiday
season can stress even the most laid-back of Baby Boomers," says Jo-Anne
Lema, Founder of AfterFiftyLiving.com.
Embrace these tips from Lema and turn that stress into celebration!
Embrace these tips from Lema and turn that stress into celebration!
"Spruce" Applies to More than the Tree. "Feel
tired, worn-out - maybe even 'old?' 'Tis the season to do more than decorate
that spruce tree sitting in the center of the room. You're the center of your
LIFE!! So spruce up! Guy or gal, go out
and get a great cut, maybe even a color. Speaking of hair, make sure it's all
under control. Nothing like nose and ear
hair gone wild to spoil the image! Visit a department store's cosmetics section
and get a make-over (and some lessons) and splurge on a couple of cosmetics
that may brighten your appearance. Treat
yourself to a new outfit – one you're comfortable wearing and makes you feel
like a million! Then, when you get home,
go take a brisk walk for a half hour.
This'll get your blood flowing adding natural color to those
cheeks. Smile – you and your tree are
both sparkling," Lema says.
Moderation – Your New "Best Friend." Baby Boomers want to do more than just
survive the holidays – they want to thrive and relish the memories! Yet, according to a 2004 study published in
Circulation, there are more heart attack deaths on Dec. 25 th than any other
day; the second highest day is Dec. 26 th; and the third highest is Jan 1 st.
So all that "thriving and relishing" isn't going to happen if you're
hospital bound with a heart attack or are spending your hours sleeping off a
hangover. "That canape and spiked eggnog may be calling to you, but YOU
are the master. Sure, have a bit – a
little bit – then move on and satisfy your appetite with good conversation," she says
Don't Blow a Bundle. Boomers may be tempted to spoil friends
and family members - like those adorable grandkids. So establish a holiday
spending budget. Estimate what you might spend on all gifts, travel,
entertainment, and personal items. Then do a reality-check. Can you really afford
spending all that money? No? Then
ruthlessly cross off items that aren't absolute "must do's" and stick
to the list that remains. "Remember, your presence is the best present of
all. Bankruptcy court is no place to
spend your New Year," Lema asserts.
Censor Your Tongue.
"Look, there's a lot of stress over the holidays. Boomers can be
thrown into situations with relatives we can barely tolerate, a boss who's a
belligerent bully, and friends of friends who may be anything but. So, if you
don't want to start (or encourage) World War III in the midst of the mistletoe,
avoid talking about politics, religion, money, and your personal problems. If
someone starts down that path, bite your tongue, excuse yourself and walk away.
Yup, you can do that. It's okay, really!" she articulates.
The Golden Rule: Do
unto others as you'd have them do unto you. "If Baby Boomers really want
to have a festive, merry, After Fifty holiday, then start by burying the
hatchets in your relationships. If ever there were a season to practice tolerance
and forgiveness, this is it. This is the big chance to make amends. Do it! And
if you're one of the fortunate few with no hatchets in your life, the Golden
Rule still applies. Mind your manners. Engage people in conversations about
their lives, their success, and their joys! Hug a kid. Pet a dog. Donate to a favorite charity.
Volunteer in some way to help those less fortunate than you," Lema further says.
And – have a very, merry holiday season, filled with good
health, friendships, and love!