Bill of Rights for the Holidays

You have the right to take care of yourself:

eat right, exercise regularly, get enough rest, and not schedule too many things. 

You have the right to have mixed emotions:

happy, sad, frustrated, guilty, afraid, thankful. 

You have the right to solitude for planning, thinking, reflection, introspection, prayer, and relaxation.

You have the right not to accept party or dinner invitations, or change your mind and decline.

You have the right to ask for help and support from your friends, family, your church/synagogue and/or community service agencies. 

You have the right to give presents that are within your holiday budget or not to spend money that will create more stress. 

You have the right to say no to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and a second piece of pecan pie a la mode.

You have the right not to ride with a drunk driver.

You have the right to take away the keys of a drunk friend or relative who wants to drive, and to call an Uber for them. 

You have the right to have the happiest, most peaceful holiday season ever. 

You are the author.