Jingle, jingle, folks. It’s that time of year again. Baking, snowmen, Christmas carols and lots of movies starring Tim Allen. Ever since I’ve become more of an adult, (I use the word “more” because I don’t consider myself a real adult yet) I’ve begun to realize just how frantic everyone gets during the holiday season. When I was younger, all I really thought about was all of the cookies I got to eat, the Barbies on my Christmas list and all of the fun I was going to have with my cousins. Now, my holidays feature things like to-do lists, must-pack lists and out of office messages. Ah, the joys of adulthood! If you read this post, you know this is my favorite time of the year and I’m no Ebenezer Scrooge so you bet I’m not letting any to-dos put a damper on my holiday cheer. To help you de-stress and keep you in the holiday spirit, I’ve shared some of my favorite ways to stay present and enjoy the true spirit of the holidays.
Lessen Your Load
As humans, many of us love to take on as much as possible. We believe we can tackle all of the 20 things on our holiday to-do list and expect them to come out Martha Stewart worthy. By no means am I not saying you can’t do everything but if it’s causing you stress and anxiety, identify some tasks you can let go of. While it may be tempting to sign yourself up to bake 12 homemade types of cookies, have a family gingerbread house day, lead the caroling group throughout the neighborhood and host your twelve family members for a Christmas feast, maybe it’s not worth it to try to tackle it all while losing your sanity. Let’s face it, none of your friends are going to complain you only gave them two types of cookies this year instead of twelve, someone else can lead the caroling and your kids may cry when forced to make gingerbread houses that never seem to stand up anyways. Prioritize what is important to you and save the others for another year.
Move Your Body
This one may be the most important. It’s hard to be present with your family when you have anxiety and stress built up — you’re also more likely to snap at a family member who just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time (not that I know from experience — sorry fam). If you’re only on the go, go, go and trying to tackle everything, it’s possible a lot of frustration will build up. The lines at the grocery store are pure madness, traffic is at a standstill, you forgot to set the oven timer and burnt the cookies — whatever it may be, it’s easy to blow a fuse this time of year. Step away from everything you have to do and move your body. It can be anything from 15 minutes on your yoga mat, to a run outside or finally leaving the house to head to your favorite workout class. Taking time to get out of your head and connect to your breath will allow you to be more present with your family and allow you to come back with a clear mind.
Enjoy the Days Leading Up to the Big Event
Each year, I experience a wave of post-Christmas sadness. I love the traditions and family time so much that I get sad when it’s over. This year, my intention has been to enjoy the little things leading up to Christmas. I’ve been focused on taking in the joy of the holiday season not only on the day of celebration but the weeks and days leading up to it. It really feels like Christmas for me when I get home with my family and even though I’m not home with them yet, I’ve been doing little things to make sure I’m taking advantage of the whole holiday season. I’ve baked lots of cookies, listened to my favorite music and watched some of my favorite movies. That way, I don’t feel like I only got to enjoy Christmas for a few days while at home. Whatever holiday you celebrate, enjoy the little things leading up to the big celebration.
It’s Okay if You Forget Something
Believe it or not, the show will go on if you forget something. If you wanted to get personalized ornaments or order gingerbread house kits but forgot to, it will be okay. Last year, my cousin hyped up the rum cake she was bringing from an Italian bakery in Philadelphia for weeks before Christmas but then forgot it in the freezer. Spoiler alert: we all survived. It may know be a running family joke but we all made it through without the rum cake. The importance of the holidays isn’t what you bring or gift but being present with your family, laughing and making memories for years to come. (She’s supposed to bring the rum cake this year again, will keep you posted 😉 )
Disconnect Often
This is another goal of mine this year. It’s hard to enjoy your goofy sister or the coziness of a home decorated for the holidays when your knee deep in Instagram. While I know I want to take pictures and document all the fun things we do as a family, I want to make it a priority to scroll a lot less and fully take in the precious moments with family and friends. It’s also easy to fall into the comparison trap on social media, “oh, look at their beautiful tree” or “their cookies and cakes look gourmet compared to mine.” Honestly, none of it matters. Everyone has their own traditions and ways of doing things and yours is just right for you and your family. Set your phone aside and remind yourself what the holidays are really about.
There you have it, friends. Some simple tips and things to think about going into the holidays. I hope that you all remember that gifts and things may be nice but the real magic is spending time with your people. Love your tribe hard. Laugh a lot. Blast your favorite holiday tunes and eat all the cookies your heart desires. I hope you have a wonderful and healthy holiday. I’m so ready to go home and help my mom who has a grocery list longer than the Declaration of Independence. 🙂 Happy holidays, everyone!
x,
Morgan