The Holidays have snuck up on us once again. In the blink of an eye, summer is gone, October flew past, and we’re now staring at a mile-long to-do list to make sure this holiday season is every bit as special as the last, if not more so. If you’re like me, you were sure you wouldn’t wait until the last minute again this year. But alas, time eluded you and you’re scrambling to figure out how you’re going to juggle Christmas shopping, school programs, church events, and hosting family-wide gatherings without wanting to collapse in a fit of exhaustion by Christmas morning.
If this is you and you’re looking for ways to slow down and stay grounded during the holiday season, read on for some helpful tips to stay merry and bright.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a foundational principle to slowing down during any season. Practicing mindfulness means slowing down enough to fully experience the moment you’re in, whether you’re wrapping gifts, finishing some holiday shopping, or enjoying a clandestine Reese’s Tree in your closet while you’re supposed to be filling stockings. Mindfulness invites us to be intentional with our time and our thoughts, and this helps cut down on the background noise blasting through our brains and enables us to relax into the moment and enjoy it more thoroughly.
Prioritize Self-Care
I know this one can be hard for caregivers during the holiday, but it’s essential. Wouldn’t you rather get through the season with a smile on your face, rather than feel so rushed you weren’t able to enjoy it? Take that long bath. Clear your schedule and snuggle up with a book and a warm cup of cocoa…or tea. Set aside a little time each evening to unwind and not feel rushed. Whatever your form of self-care is, make sure to include it in your holiday festivities and avoid getting burned out.
Set Boundaries
It might not feel like this to you, but it’s okay to say no. In fact, sometimes, it’s best. Don’t overburden yourself by saying yes to everything during the holidays, even if it means being accused of being a Grinch. Knowing your limits and protecting your well-being is not only best for you, it’s best for those you’re trying to show up for during the holiday season. Do yourself and your family a favor: set clear boundaries about what you are able and willing to do, and stick to them. For more on the power of saying no, check out this post on the art of saying no.
Stay Active
Don’t let the holidays, or the icky weather, get in the way of staying active. Taking that walk around the block is good for your physical and mental health. It helps clear your mind as you connect with nature and it gives you some time to yourself. Getting that morning workout in can help you maintain energy levels throughout the day – and season – so you can keep doing the things you need to do. Keep your activity time on the schedule and don’t neglect it; otherwise, you may have some catching up to do come January. For easy ways to stay active when you’re busy, see this blog post.
Embrace Imperfection
Say what!? That’s right, embrace imperfection. This one was hard for me, too, but it’s worth it. Health issues have a habit of getting in the way of perfectionism, but at this point, I’m just grateful to show up in any capacity. One thing my experience with illness has taught me is that it’s ok to show up in whatever way I’m able. I’ll be hosting Thanksgiving dinner again this year, but it will look a lot different than in years past. It’s ok if things don’t turn out just right. What will be remembered are the meals and moments we shared with loved ones, and the way it brought us all together. Let go of the little things and find joy in the small, fleeting moments you’re able to have with those around you during this special time of year.
This is a lot easier said than done. We all get caught up in the chaos that the holidays bring with them, and it’s tough to slow down and smell the chestnuts roasting on an open fire. But the season isn’t about gifts and perfect meals, it’s about gathering together and celebrating the blessings of life we’ve been given. It’s about shared moments and the love between us that make them special. Don’t lose the biggest gift you have by chasing a perfect holiday; it’s a fruitless pursuit that leads to burnout and relief that what should be the most wonderful time of the year has finally passed by once again. Don’t be a Grinch – stay merry by staying grounded in what truly matters.
