Embracing Love During the Holidays
I’m not sure if its just me, but I hate and love the holidays. I think Christmas is the most magical time of year. A time to celebrate with family and loved ones. To get together and just be. But as part of that you are running around like a chicken with your head cut off, spend months planning, what feels like millions of dollars out the door, and then in a day it’s all over - and you are left wondering, was it worth it?
Of course it was worth it. But for years, I always asked myself that question. I mean I still do, but I have learned how to bring a lot more love and ease into the holiday season. The first major hurdle to get over is the commercialism - no, the holidays are not all about gifts and spending money. But if that is part of your celebration, embrace it! Do not be resentful and regretful about gifts if that is something you choose to do. And if it does not resonate with you, maybe next year make a change. there are so many options. Put that money away for a vacation, donate, pool it for a nice meal together, do homemade gifts. Tune into your inner self and see what brings you a sense of love and share it with others. Chances are that the rest of the people you celebrate with may be feeling the same, they just haven’t voiced it. They may be grateful that you did, and you might inspire others.
Know that if you are not religious, Christmas is just a day. You do not need to fit everything in on the 25th. Spread it out! Pick a different weekend if you work, or a different day if you are on holidays. Christmas to me is a feeling. I could celebrate it any day and it would not matter to me. It’s all about being together, laughing and having fun. I don’t care if my family celebrates on the 25th or the 5th. I just need snow and twinkle lights and - hello, holiday spirit! Maybe another conversation to have with loved ones. I understand if you have children and your are celebrating Christmas, maybe you have some time restrictions. But as for the rest of the family obligations and events, spread them out. Why not make the holidays last a little longer. Be a little more enjoyable by not making “obligations”. And if you find there are things that you don’t want to do, but you know it makes others happy: 1. Check in with yourself to see if its important to you and brings you joy, 2. If yes, then do it with love! Otherwise, if it brings you great pain and is against your highest good, skip.
Between all the hub-bub, just breathe.
When you are feeling overwhelmed, bring in that sense of love and ease by breathing. You have so much power and calm inside you, that you may not be aware of. To tap in, all you need is a few deep breaths. If you have time of course sit and meditate or do some breath work. If you do not, just stand or sit where you are, close your eyes if its comfortable, and take a few deep breaths. In through your nose for a count of 4 or 6, out through your nose for 6 or 8. No one will even notice you are doing it, but I promise you will not feel worse.
And if this year, you are on your own and cannot be with family, love that! At some point in your life you probably wished for this moment - the holidays with no where to go and nothing to do. Embrace it. Let this year be all about you. Have a cozy movie marathon. Eat your favourite meal, or order a holiday meal from your favourite local restaurant. Read a book or 10. Start that project or craft you always wanted to do. Play outside. Just do whatever makes your heart sore, and sets your soul on fire.
That is all I have for you today. Just wanted to bring some awareness to how we may be feeling and collectively elevate the vibration of the holiday season.
Spread some love today, and everyday.
Love, Me