xoSelf (short for Love Yourself)) is a weekly advice series where women can anonymously seek advice on topics about relationships, work, finding themselves or life challenges. xoSelf is responded to by educator & life coach Dr. Walter Hidalgo.
Dear xoSelf: The holidays are approaching and I really don’t want to spend another Thanksgiving or Christmas with my husband’s family or mine. I would like to stay home, sleep and not do anything. I know this is selfish of me because we are supposed to celebrate, but I’m tired. My kids exhaust me. Work exhausts me. Life in general is exhausting. With everything going on how can I tell my family to just leave me alone for the holidays?
Answer: We all need time to recharge the battery. Have you considered taking a vacation, maybe traveling outside of the country or state? That might be a good way to not completely brush away anyone’s family since you will be away with yours. Creating a vacation itinerary that allows you to relax while your children enjoy the holidays is a great way to avoid unwanted extended family time. If traveling brings up budget constraints, consider renting an Airbnb (or equivalent) that is affordable but with great amenities (pool, museums, spas, etc).
Related article: Fall into a Staycation
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Dr. Walter Hidalgo is an educator and coach. He has a master’s of arts in Church History and Sociology from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University and a doctorate from New York Theological Seminary where his focus was on the intersectionality between Hip-hop culture and socio-spiritual movements. He has taught in universities, high schools, prisons, not-for-profit organizations, and faith-basedinstitutions from all over the world. And finally, he is the author of the critically acclaimed book, “Beyond the Four Walls: The Rising Ministry and Spirituality of Hip-hop” where he
has worked with numerous Hip-hop artists, educators, and youth from all over the world to