Does the thought of shopping, decorating, and baking feel euphoric at some times, and overwhelming at others? Do the lights, music, sugar and spice of the season throw you into sensory overload?
The list of expectations we place on ourselves can easily become longer than our gift list.
This year, rather than putting your holiday spirit on autopilot, consider an awakening. Consider making the decision to experience the gift of consciousness.
Here are 5 simple phrases to light your way ~
First Things First ~ While putting yourself at the top of your list of ‘things to do’ might sound a bit selfish, remember that self-care is the best way to ensure that you’re able to help others. Maintaining good nutrition, exercise, and meditative practices during this busy time is the best gift you can give to those who love you. They’ll appreciate a happy, healthy, you!
Keep It Simple ~ Pride can easily take center stage as we busily plan our holiday entertaining and choose which parties we’ll attend. Rather than asking how many events will fit into your schedule, ask which ones will nourish your spirit. Neighborhood gatherings, church events, and office parties can quickly fill our calendar and drain our energy. Choose to attend only those that will allow you to authentically give and receive.
Live and Let Live ~ Rather than shopping, give family heirlooms or create handmade gifts. Being intentional about choosing gifts from your personal collection is a beautiful way to savor quiet holiday time and reduce your carbon footprint. Be mindful of the plastic packaging you’ll save from the landfill.
Let it Begin with Me ~ As the temperatures fall, those who lack the essentials like food, clothing, heating fuel, and shelter, find themselves in greatest need. While others may be scurrying about filling their shopping baskets, let kindness and compassion begin with you. Do you have an extra coat in the closet? Attach a heart-shaped note that simply reads “Stay Warm”, and leave the coat at a bus stop or on a park bench. Rather than buying a new set of ornaments, give the money to a fuel assistance program or your local rescue mission.
Grateful Awareness ~ Spend quiet time at home each day. Invite loved ones to create and decorate a Gratitude Calendar, with a space to share blessings each day of the month. Heightened awareness of our blessings is perhaps the best gift of all.
As we begin a of winter of rest and introspection, shorten your list of expectations. Keep self-care at the top of your list and embrace peaceful solitude. May you enjoy a renewed sense of light for the coming month, and the coming year.
Take good care,
If you liked this post, please tweet it or share it on facebook … thanks!
If you’re new to teenytinypieces, get free updates by RSS Feed or Email!
(This post originally appeared on The Daily Brainstorm)
Jane, how wonderful! I know the feeling of going back and forth between being excited about the holiday season (my favorite time of year) and being overwhelmed moments later.
You give such wonderful insight as how to embrace it and maintain a sense of grounded self.
I really love this suggestion,”invite loved ones to create and decorate a Gratitude Calendar, with a space to share blessings each day of the month” I really want to do this – it sounds absolutely incredible!
Hi Aileen,
Christmas is my favorite time of year, as well (well, Christmas and springtime). I love the lights, music, and time with my family. I can sometimes over-enjoy those beauties, winding up unprepared and stressed-out at the last minute. I plan to enjoy the beauties, and skip the stressing-out part this year.
When my son was small I bought a cloth advent calendar with little pockets for each day. It has remained a special part of our Christmas. It’s here at my house, even though he’s at college … I still move each piece from the little pocket to the tree … the angel is the last piece, on Christmas Eve. Much gratitude, and lovely memories of his growing up with each piece I touch.
Enjoy the Gratitude Calendar, and make it just as you wish. Elegant, fun, or simple … what matters is how it makes you feel. Enjoy time with your family. Also, I see that Sue Fox has left a comment below about an online version. I hope you’ll visit her beautiful site of writings and photography. I was there just last night. I can’t wait to see her calender unfold! at findingmybliss-foxysue.blogspot.com
Peaceful holidays to you, Aileen!
Take good care~
Jane
Hi Jane,
What a wonderful idea, I’ve took you up on this and decided to create an online Advent Gratitude Calendar based on your idea. I’m starting tomorrow with a picture and words of gratitude through until the 25th of December! That’s the plan if everything goes accordingly! I linked through to your post crediting you with the idea.
Hope you will look in, thank you.
Sue
Sue Fox recently posted..Advent Calendar of Gratitude
Hi Sue,
I’m excited about your Advent Gratitude Calendar. What a beautiful idea! I was on your site last night, actually. It’s lovely and inspirational, and I can’t wait to spend some more time there, visiting your posts, your links, and watching your calendar unfold.
I’m so glad to see you here, and happy that you stopped by!
Wishing you enjoyment, gratitude, and peace this holiday! I’ll see you again soon!
Take good care~
Jane