Okay, so maybe Zen and Christmas don’t really go in the same sentence, but as much as everyone wants to enjoy the holidays, I think we all want a little peace too. So here are my top tips for staying Zen during this Christmas season.
Tip #1 – Stop! 🛑
If you’re doing something that is not bringing you at least a little happiness, just stop! I love to read. I started a book over the weekend and it wasn’t bad, but it was bringing me absolutely no joy whatsoever and was actually adding to my stress.
It’s now on my DNF (did not finish) list.
Everyone knows the addiction that results from too much social media and exposure to news. If your blood pressure starts to rise when you’re on, shut it down. Take a walk.
Which brings me to my next tip.
Tip #2 – Take a Walk
Hopefully wherever you are you are experiencing weather such that you can get out and see the sun and breathe fresh air.
I’m not even really talking about a hard-core cardio workout. Although that would be my preference.
I recently went to a different gym – out of my normal routine – and the busyness and energy in the gym was a refreshing change.
So if you can’t get out, take a bit of exercise in a place where others are enjoying themselves.
Tip #3 – Have a Sip
Yes, staying hydrated is important in the winter, but this is no lecture about drinking more water.
Whether or not you love hot beverages, this is the season to stock up on your favorite winter blends or try something new.
There is always coffee or tea in a mug by my side – winter or summer – but treating myself to a special little sip puts me in my zone. Like adding whipped cream to my cocoa. Yum.
Light a Fire
You don’t have a fireplace? It’s too hot? Not a problem. There are several YouTube stations that feature burning logs and many of them have accompanying music.
This fire is just our TV, but it looks and sounds real.
The night I “lit” this fire was so warm the patio door was open. But it was nice and cozy while I was enjoying my fairy lights. Which are all over the place. 😉
Tip #4 Budget for Contingencies
It’s always something. Right?
For instance. On the way to Saturday’s play and linner out with Evon, we noticed our hose bib was dripping. Dang it. Our water costs as much as gold. And replacement parts cost so much this year. If you can find them.
So we placed a bucket under the drip, went to the play and after only two trips to Home Depot hub was able to replace the bib Sunday morning.
I cannot tell you how many unexpected expenses we incurred since Thanksgiving. Oh, Visa, you’ll love me this year.
Being prepared with a little fudge factor in your time and money budgets will help turn a catastrophe into a bump in the road.
And help you keep your Zen.
What I’m Eating
Meatless Mondays can be a little high on the carb side, but to me it’s really important to be sated, so carbs be damned, I say!
Let’s ramp it up here. Enchiladas can easily be made with homemade sauce and beans, but in my humble opinion, canned comes out just as good, so that’s what I’m going with here.
My super-dooper Pampered Chef hand grater made fast work out of a brick of cheese and bonus is that I stored it in one of my fav Anthro storage bowls.
Bean and Cheese Enchiladas
- 1 14-oz can red or green enchilada sauce
- 1 16-oz can refried beans (I dilute one can with about ¼ cup water for ease of spreading)
- Sprinkle of chili powder and cumin
- 4 flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup grated cheddar
- Your favorite toppings – lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, jalapenos, radishes
Place enchilada sauce in a flat bowl and soak tortillas to soften. Heat refried beans and water with a sprinkle of chili powder and cumi until warm and soft. Spread onto softened tortillas, top with cheese, roll and place in a baking dish. When dish is full, cover with remaining sauce and top with more cheese. Bake at 350° until bubbly and cheese starts to brown – about 20-30 minutes.
Serve and garnish with your favorite toppings.
By the way, those red jalapenos are out of our garden. They are so hot that the tiniest end caused my mouth and lips to burn. Yikes!
Roxy
Thanks to everyone who messaged me and commented on Roxy. She is slowly getting back to herself and I’m grateful with every purr. Like I am for you!