What does peace look like for you at Christmas time?
The special time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is my favorite time of year. The weather calls for hot chocolate and cozy blankets on the couch. Not to mention, it becomes a little more acceptable to blast “Let It Snow” by Boyz II Men.
As exciting as this time of year is, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the other side of the holiday season. The expectation of getting everyone just the right gift and attending each holiday event can be overwhelming, to say the least. Before long, we can find ourselves overcommitted and exhausted … not exactly an ideal way to spend the most wonderful time of year.
If there was a silver lining from last year’s holiday season, it was the opportunity to slow down and focus on what matters most. We had to get creative and think of safe ways to connect with family and friends.
While this year brings with it more opportunities to gather safely with family, for some, there is still a level of concern for keeping our loved ones and little ones safe. We may be exhausted from Zoom calls but still not ready for big family gatherings.
One thing that has helped me get through the last couple of holiday seasons with a little one is keeping my priorities in check. Priorities look different for everyone. For me, my focus is on making happy memories for my little guy while keeping everyone as safe as possible.
Keep the main thing, the main thing.
We decided to keep Thanksgiving to just our immediate family again this year. It is always a difficult decision to break away from the norm of gathering with large groups of family and friends. It becomes an easier to make when we think about keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe. Even if we do decide to gather with others, we want to make sure we feel comfortable doing so.
Maybe you feel safe enough to gather with large groups this year but too burned out to engage with others. Maybe you feel the need to leave room in your schedule for new traditions. Make sure to check in with yourself and others about what you can commit to.
For my family, finding ways to get together in smaller groups is helpful for us. If we don’t feel comfortable attending an event, we think about what would make us comfortable in the situation. If it just feels too complicated, we may decide to sit the event out. I know that is easier said than done, but if something compromises our priorities, then it is just not worth it.
Spend what you can afford.
Physical and emotional well-being is certainly important. It is in our best interest to consider our financial well-being as well. Sometimes, we can feel pressure to express our love and appreciation for others through gifts. The sentiment is great, but we should be realistic about what we can actually do for others.
I recently came across a post online that suggested asking our loved ones what they actually need instead of giving them what we think they need. I could not agree more. Gifts don’t always have to come in packages. For moms, in particular, a day to do all the things you’ve been wanting to do can be better than anything from the mall.
If the holidays are not a special time for you, or if this year feels stressful, try to give yourself the space to process your thoughts. Maybe the hustle and bustle is too much, and that is perfectly fine.
However you decide to celebrate this year, I hope you are able to do so in a peaceful way.
