The Golden Nugget December 2024
I’m not sure how this happened, but Thanksgiving is already in the rear-view mirror and we are spiraling headlong into the winter holidays. And because Thanksgiving was at the very end of November this year, there are now just three short weeks to get ready for Christmas. Yikes. I don’t know about you, but I’m not in the mood to get ready for Christmas. I’ve got work to do. I have five work-related evening meetings, and all the work associated with those meetings,between now and Christmas, which really cuts into my decorating and present-shopping time. I personally think we should have off the entire month of December, don’t you? Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen. I’ll get everything done in time—I always do, but right now, looking at the calendar in front of me, I’m panicked.
Like everything else, getting ready for and enjoying the winter holidays requires intention. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed and become stressed and depressed with all the preparations this time of year, but we need to pace ourselves. I actually Googled “holiday depression” to see what words of wisdom might appear, and, not surprisingly, holiday depression is a thing. But there’s a lot we can do to keep ourselves from succumbing to the holiday blues. Here are a few suggestions:
• Set realistic expectations for holiday celebration preps. Make a list and prioritize the most important activities to help manage what you want (or need) to get done. And, make peace with imperfection—it’s okay if you don’t get everything done exactly “right”.
• Find ways to enjoy your reason for the season—there are so many wonderful holiday programs, whether live and in person in your community, or streaming on your favorite platform from the comfort of your couch—take time to immerse yourself in some holiday cheer and the beauty of the season.
• Do all the usual things to keep your physical health on par—drink plenty of fluids (water, not nog), get good sleep, and take time to get outside to enjoy fresh air (maybe while clipping greens for your holiday centerpieces!).
• Take time away from work. In most places, the pace of work does slow down during the holidays so you can slip away for a few days to unplug and really enjoy spending time with family and friends (this is especially important for those of you who will be slogging away on budget development over the next few months!).
• Spend some time volunteering. There’s nothing like serving and supporting those who are less fortunate to elevate your own sense of well-being.
• It’s amazing how the holidays can magnify a loss you feel, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job opportunity, you name it. Give those feelings space, and surround yourself with loving and supportive friends and family to help you get through them.
As Andy Williams sings, it really is (or can be) the most wonderful time of the year. We just have to make it happen, and have fun while doing it. You’ve (I’ve) got this.
On behalf of all of us on the VLGMA board, I wish you the best for a joy-filled, peaceful and satisfying holiday season!
Until next time,
Debbie
Welcome to new members:
Summer Barden, Assistant Town Manager, Town of New Market
Sarah Barnett, City Operations Officer, City of Manassas Park
Rebekah Castle, Director of Econ Dev & Marketing, County of Augusta
Stacey Davenport, County Administrator, County of King William
Candy Hensley, Assistant County Administrator, County of Augusta
Patrick Lam, Emergency Management Coordinator, County of Augusta
Josh McNeal, Finance Operations Manager, City of Manassas Park
Martha Miller, Assistant Town Manager, Town of Ashland
Linda Milsaps, County Administrator, County of Floyd
Terri Mitchell, Chief Financial Officer, County of Montgomery
Tiffany Stewart, Asst. Finance Director, Town of Vinton
Angie Stine, Director of Finance, Town of Strasburg
Mike Tolbert, Town Manager, Town of Chincoteague
Brian Vandenberg, Assistant to City Manager, City of Harrisonburg