Does your chest tighten and heart race, just thinking about the next few weeks? Do you wonder how you’re going to get everything done? Are you already dreading having to spend time with certain people? Are you worried about your finances?
No matter what our religious beliefs, December in America can run us through the gamut of emotions-love, joy and happiness, if we’re lucky, but also loneliness, anxiety, guilt, resentment and frustration. Just when we need it the most, we may also find ourselves not taking the time for our health and peace of mind.
Here are a few suggestions to make sure that you and your loved ones are able to enjoy the love and fun that the season promises and that you have time for spontaneity and to experience truly meaningful traditions.
1. Take a few minutes to go back in time to 3 of your most beloved holiday experiences. What elements made it so special? Have you had any similar times in the last few years?
2. Make a list of your top values and desires for this time of year. To spend time with friends and family, to show generosity, to connect with your spiritual community, to have time for reflection and for renewal?
3. Now look at your to-do list and your calendar. Are your desires reflected in your plans? Have you actually booked downtime?
4. Now cross out everything that isn’t going to help you experience your truest desires. Add back in time to get outdoors, listen to music, have a massage and visit some friends you haven’t seen for a while.
5. OK, back to the list. . . of course there are some things that just have to be accomplished, but slow down and instead of viewing the holiday period as one long season, Wayne Dyer, in Holidays: How to Enjoy the Christmas & Hanukkah Season to the Fullest, suggests making every little facet a special experience. Be present and appreciate the acts of gift wrapping, decorating, and baking. Take in the aromas, sounds, textures and colors. Try to see it all again with the wonder and awe of a child.
6. Don’t expect or even attempt perfection! Enter into the festivities with a light heart. Have you laughed out loud lately?
7. Show by your example that it is not necessary to do anything for love and acceptance, starting with yourself!
HAVE A TRULY JOYOUS HOLIDAY!
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They are actually a great reminder to me, too!
Yes, I like that suggestion, too. While we can’t recreate memories from the past, there is always some element that we can make sure we make part of our current experience.
These are such great tips for how to enjoy the holidays Victoria! Thanks for sharing them. I love #4: “Now cross out everything that isn’t going to help you experience your truest desires.” How much is on all of our lists that have nothing to do with our desires, not just around the holidays but all times of year. I know for me that my lists get longer and longer and sometimes are things that would be much better off delegated or ignored! Great ideas for handling the holidays and the rest of the year! Thanks!
Yes, I remember many times feeling my mother’s stress and watching her try accomplish too many things to make us happy, when what we wanted most was her time and loving presence. That memory helps me cross things off.