For many of us just the thought of the holidays makes us break out into a sweat, raise our blood pressure, trigger shallow breathing with every nerve fiber on high alert to fight, flight or freeze – the stress response to a perceived threat. What exactly is so menacing about the holidays?

* Fight: Do you end up disagreeing a bit too loudly with family, friends or colleagues at a party?
* Flight: Do you stay, navigate the crowds in the stores and serve a 5-course dinner or do you escape (or wish you could) to create new traditions on a Caribbean Island or a cabin in the woods?
* Freeze: Do you retreat inward at social gatherings feeling like you’re not good enough?

The best way to deal with a threat is to face it and do what animals do under similar circumstances:

First, animals do not obsess about their appearance like how big their thighs are; they just strut their stuff playing to their strengths. They don’t pretend to be something they’re not, but instead express themselves according to their nature. Their approach to food is not conflicted or laden with guilt; rather it’s “how lucky for me to find something to eat and survive today.” Note: they will eat until full and then stop eating even if the food is in front of them. Also, they expend a lot of physical energy by walking, stalking and finding shelter – dieting is never an issue and metabolism is simply calories in versus calories out.

Animals keep it simple and don’t get into negative worry loops reassessing their day’s to-do list or their personal disappointments. They are not filled with self-pity if they don’t find food and go to sleep hungry. Every day is a fresh start for new opportunities and adventures and they start out with renewed determination in the morning. Animals are completely present and listen attentively; most importantly, they don’t do all the talking.

Here are a few quotes from human beings which might help you make peace with the holidays – even enjoy them.
* There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so (William Shakespeare). Reframe holiday events and activities with a positive spin.
* Attachment is the great fabricator of illusions; reality can be obtained only by someone who is detached (Simon Weil). Take a step back to see the whole picture more clearly and move out of your narrow mindset.
* The reasons angels can fly is that they take themselves so lightly (G.K. Chesterton). Don’t take yourself so seriously.

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