This may be the “happiest time of the year” but it is also a busy and can be a very stressful time as well. It is easy to get caught up in fulfilling all of the commitments we have said yes to and creating the “perfect” holiday for our families.
I say we take a pause from all of that and stop and listen to our hearts. Our hearts know the answer. What do we really want and need right now?
When we listen to our hearts, we may discover that we can simply give ourselves permission to:
- Slow down
- Say yes to what we really want and say no to all of the rest.
- Be okay with having a Christmas that is not perfect but is relaxed and happy as a result.
- Spend less money
- Enjoy this special time with our loved ones or by ourselves if we need some solitude.
Christmas, like many traditions can be a real mine-field of anxiety and filled with stress inducing triggers because of the high expectations we place on ourselves, the holiday, and those around us.
It takes courage to really examine what is dear to us and practice only the traditions that have meaning for us. It might mean saying no to people (which is a difficult task for us people pleasers).
I need to sign off for now but we will continue this conversation.
Cheers!
Debbie
