The holiday season is well and truly upon us and shelves are filled with Christmas goodies, decorations, and gift ideas. The festive tunes are on commercials, shopping centres, and many radio stations.
Whether you sit in the camp where all of the above fills you with seasonal joy and excitement or you are already over the festivities, hopefully, there will be something of value in this month’s blog. I personally find this time of year a challenge due to the commercialism, consumerism, and just to add another ism, the tokenism of hearing from someone ‘just because it’s Christmas’. I believe if we desire to live authentically and from a value basis, holiday or festive seasons should add to and enhance our lives. Let’s think about some ways we can survive the holiday season whilst on our journey of personal development.
Deciding not to succumb to the pressure of what “should” be done is something to consider. Whether that pressure comes from you, or others, it is often not a healthy place from which to make decisions. There will always be another gift to buy, party to attend, or visit to make. When you have reached your limit, it is okay to stop, whether that is based on your budget, time, energy, or just preference. We can stop and not succumb to the pressure, and avoid the negative feelings of us doing more than we felt comfortable with. We can also do this unapologetically.
Choose when the holiday season starts for you, personally, or as a family. I smile even as I type, as I know some families who are already in the middle of their Christmas season. For others it’s 1st December, for some it’s a week before the big day and for others not at all, because they don’t celebrate Christmas. Whichever category you fit in, remember your family, circumstances and preferences are unique to you, so do what makes sense and is best for you. Life is different during holiday seasons, and some of the routines, habits, and behaviours that help us grow and develop are often put on pause. And that’s okay, but choose whether the pause is for one day, one week, or longer. Then stick to it.
Next, plan for rest. Now if you have been reading my blog for a while or following me on social media, you know I am a big believer in achieving a balanced life with rest intentionally scheduled. Stress, overwhelm and exhaustion can be indicators that it’s the holidays, but does it have to be? What if every weekend when you plan out the following week you mark in your calendar times of intentional rest, even if it’s just for half an hour? But a time that is designated for you to rest, whatever that looks like for you, as a non-negotiable. A spa day isn’t always possible, but a solo coffee date in the car might work just as well. Or perhaps plan a pajama day or get that favourite book or movie out. Rest looks different for everyone, but we all need moments of rest, outside of the regular sleep we should be having.
Lastly, enjoy the season. Life is so very precious, for many of us, we are ending the year having said
goodbye to people that were dear to us. Appreciate life, appreciate your friends and family and appreciate where you are in life. Despite any challenges, you are here, making it. I believe as long as we have breath we have hope.
Have a wonderful holiday season.
Francesca McDowall, November 2022