Holiday Re-Do
This time of year fills me with lots of intense emotions. I love the feelings of joy when we’re all together decorating the Christmas tree — the decorations sparking funny stories between us. Then the next moment I tale spin into feelings of anxiety as I think about all of the gifts I have to purchase, gift wrapping and doing it all while working insane hours trying to complete jobs prior to the holidays. I’m positive that I’m not alone in this. At times it can just be too much.
Last year, Christmas was anticlimactic to say the least. But, I must admit, I loved the simplicity of it. Shopping was next to impossible other than online, holiday parties had come to halt, and Christmas get-togethers with family and friends were basically nonexistent. That is, except for the odd walk through the park with your friends and warm tea, or a backyard fire and a hot tottie and a couple of family members. The best part of last Christamas was when we ordered take out for Christmas Eve dinner! It was the fanciest sushi we’ve ever had. All dressed up in the dining room, eating sushi of our wedding china. It was exactly the pace that I needed..
While I truly missed spending time with our extended families, I didn’t miss the hustle and bustle going from one family to the next, or helping Joe for countless hours in the kitchen as he prepared the turkey and sides for a big family dinner. While the realities of COVID last Christmas were real and scary and brought about a certain level of fear in me, on the other hand, the simplicity of it all stripped away the feelings of overwhelm that so often have haunted me for the month of December. I learned so much from this experience. The need to set clear boundaries that meet not only my emotional needs, but also my immediate family's needs. Don’t let the feelings of obligations take a toll. Take time and slow down. Less is more. You can only control your own reactions, feelings and expectations, not others. Be in the moment, not the past or future. Enjoy the now for what it is.
As we crept closer to this season, I kept on reminding myself what I’d learned from last holiday season. Even though our family is all vaccinated now, that doesn’t mean that we have to go overboard again like I did in the years passed. Remembering the lesson of taking time and slowing down, I’ve decided to take the entire two week break off with my kids and Joe.
It’s sad to say that I’ve never taken off Christmas break with my kids. In the past, I’ve always felt this constant pull that I should be doing work. I’m proud to say, I’ve made a firm commitment to my family, staff and clients that I will be officially signing off from everything for two weeks. That includes social media, office work, and even emails. I’m taking a much needed holiday with my kids and Joe. We’re embarking on another road trip. I’m so excited to unplug and just be in the moment with all of them.
On the home front, I’ve definitely cut back on my decorating this year. Instead of going full force on the whole house, I’ve decided to focus on one area and that’s it. The rest of the decorations can stay packed away until next year if I feel like using them. I’m excited to say we’ve also already decided on getting take out for Christmas Eve dinner again! With respect to shopping, I’ve been trying to buy as much as I can close by. I’ve gone more environmentally conscious with my wrapping this year by reusing old bags, paper and cloth bags. So much easier than that fancy wrapping present and bows. I will likely be continuing to use the same wrapping for years to come! I will just have to remember not to give the same person their last year’s bag or paper!
To be truthful, I’m still feeling lots of emotions this year, but I feel like I’m handling them a bit better than years prior. I keep reminding myself, I can only control my emotions, no one else's. The holiday season is supposed to be about celebration, helping others, and giving thanks. I for one used to get so wrapped up in the ‘hallmark’ version of the holiday season. If it wasn’t for COVID, I would likely still be living in that world. I know there has been so much loss and heartbreak from COVID the last 20 months, but personally I can say I’ve learned alot about myself, which I’m truly grateful for.
As we get closer to the holidays, please remember to take time to reflect, slow down and just be in the moment. I wanted to say how grateful I am for all of you and your support. I wish you all the best over the holiday season however you are spending it and I look forward to reconnecting in 2022. Cheers!