Is it just me or does the season of joy turn into the season of frenzy earlier each year? We barely sneak a peanut butter cup from our child’s Halloween bucket before we’re rushed into the winter holidays. Summer is my absolute favorite season but Christmas is my holiday. I love everything about it except the crazy frenzied feel that seems to descend on me. I turn from merry little mom to elf gone wild. This year, I vow to maintain my holiday spirit by giving myself the gifts of joy, grace and pause to just slow down.
What does it mean to give gifts of joy to yourself? I think it’s something you must define for yourself. For me, joy means inner peace and balance. Feeling calm and right with my soul. I achieve that by slowing down and finding stillness throughout the day. I can’t find that in a mall, Black Friday online shopping or even jamming my weekends with potlucks and Christmas themed places. I have to prioritize joy and stillness and that’s why this year I am giving myself these gifts.
I love to shop, I love a good sale but I do not love buying for the sake of buying. It’s empty and frankly my bank account hates me for the years I spent doing it during the holidays. I took pause last year and noticed my most stressed out moments were during shopping, racing through stores or even online. It robbed my peace and left me empty. So this year, there’s a new tradition, giving the gift of time not items. My friends and I have opted to plan nights in or even out together without kids and significant others. Time can’t be wrapped up in beautiful bows but you know what, that memory last far longer than the latest gadget or store bought goodie.
What does the holiday season mean for you?
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