Is Life Turning You Into a Grinch? 4 Steps to a Happier Future

The holiday season is a happy time, a merry time, a time to spread some holiday cheer and goodwill toward men. Yeah, if you haven’t gained 20 pounds and been carelessly elbowed out the way every time you visit the department stores for gifts.

For many of us, the holiday season is one of the most joyous moments that we don’t often get during the rest of the year. Time spent with loved ones, baking goodies, wrapping presents in preparation to place under the Christmas tree, singing carols. However, for many, the season also brings out the worst, making it a miserable occasion.

With so many things piling up on our to do lists, while dealing with the struggles of everyday life, it’s a miracle that we are still sane and ticking. Sometimes we feel like telling off, screaming, and even downright getting into a brawl with that rude person over swiping the last “Let’s Imagine” Elmo toy. Besides the incessant renditions of “We wish you a merry Christmas” blaring over and over again, it’s best to just hear your own thoughts.

What’s a person to do when faced with such  negativity during a time when one should be content and appreciative of the little things in life? Well, you’re in luck. If life seems to be handing you rotten lemons lately, don’t get angry, change your attitude.

Here are ways to create a little happiness in the midst of pessimism in your life.

#1) Put Things Into Perspective

We’ve all been there. Standing in line waiting for the previous person to hurry up and go already.  In a situation where we’ve been in a hurry and there is always that someone who seems to be undermining your attempt to actually make it to work on time. It’s that one person who holds up the line.

As everyone waits impatiently, it’s the little old lady, the guy who has too much change, who seems to thwart your plans of getting in and out of the store and back to work on time. C’mon, all you wanted was a freakin’ cup of coffee, jeez!

You start to mutter obscenities to yourself, imagining giving that person a piece of your mind. Then as your head starts to wonder, maybe that person has so much change because they had to scrounge around for it to have just enough for gas to get their kids to school on time. Perhaps the old lady is someone’s grandmother and she is ill. You suddenly have a change of heart and start to feel bad.

We could all use a sense of perspective in the event that things might blow our lids. It helps to calm us down. You never know, you could be that person who everyone else has to wait on one day.

#2) The People Pleaser

One of the most annoying, yet satisfying things during the holidays is thinking that you have to search the world over for that perfect gift-the present that will instantly make you the #1 person in their eyes.

The truth is, you already are a star in their eyes. There’s nothing that a little creativity can’t solve, so why go through the trouble of searching online and countless stores until your eyes bleed and feet bleed?

According to studies, our happiness increases the more we do for people, giving included. That happiness decreases the more the monetary value goes up. Why? Because it’s the thought that counts, not what you spent on your gift. Now you can rest easy knowing that that $10 gift probably has more “value” than that $1,000 phone.

#3) Take It Easy

Really, what it is that makes your blood boil during the holidays? Is it the thought of having to spend Christmas dinner with your in-laws? Do you have to prepare a big feast all by yourself? Are your kids running you ragged because of their demands?

The truth is, you don’t have to do it all by yourself and it’s OK to ask for help. Trim down your responsibilities and make it easier on yourself. Shirk them if you have to and hand them off to someone more capable and willing.  Don’t know what you buy everyone? just buy the family one lump gift card. Don’t know how many people to serve? Make more than you think you’ll need, or better, how about ordering takeout or hiring a good friend to cook for you.

Now you can rest easy, knowing things will work themselves out. After all, it’s only one time a year. People are going to forget once it’s over anyways. Until then, run to your room, turn the lights out and pretend you’re not home once the relatives arrive.

#4) Stop & Smell the Cranberry

I don’t know about you, but this is my absolute favorite time of the year. I get a very  whimsical and giddy at the thought of time spent cozying up on the couch with my family drinking hot chocolate and watching Love Actually.

Christmas time may not be your cup of tea, but there is always something joyous to find in the season. Just walk around and smell that hickory that everyone is burning. It’s enough to make you want to snuggle up with that special someone and toast marshmallows. Enjoy the sights-all those colorful lights and beautiful displays in the city. And who can honesty resist a delicious, gooey homemade gingerbread cookie? Yeah, not even you.

There’s much to be angry about in life, but life isn’t perfect so why waste your days stewing. There’s even more to be thankful about because life is magical and precious.

Don’t focus on the bad things. Turn them around and make them positive. Don’t allow your emotions to brew hatred and anger. It’s not the holiday spirit. Instead, make it a time of love and peace, because after all, the world needs more of it.

While you’re at it, read 9 Common Traits of Happy People.

Let us know. Do you have any Grinch-like ways that makes you a task to deal with? How does it normally make you feel? Tell us your stories in the comments below!