Does that title create feelings of joyful anticipation, or send chills of dread down your spine — or something in between? So many of us get hung up on thinking that holidays have to be celebrated a certain way. Rituals have to be maintained — no matter what! Money has to be spent, whether we have it to spend or not. Parties have to be given and/or attended, whether we’re up to it or not. And on and on…
Do you feel just a little tense reading those few sentences? I know I do! Holidays can be wonderful, but they can also be very stressful. The problem isn’t the holidays. The problem is our concept of what behaviors have to go with the holidays!
What about giving yourself the freedom of choice this year? How would you like to celebrate the holidays? What if you could do what you really want to do, instead of what you think you’re supposed to do? Could you trust people to still keep loving you, even if you don’t turn yourself inside out trying to cover all the bases?
Give it some thought! Maybe this year could be the start of doing things a little easier — being a little kinder to yourself. It’s possible you know!
Until next time,
Linda
It is so true. Holidays feel so corrupted by all the stress, hustle and bustle and material implications that the opportunities for having gratitude and giving gifts get lost. Thanks for reminding us all to make a choice about how we want to experience the holidays this year!
Appreciatively,
Lynn
Thank you, Lynn. I agree with you. The deeper joys of holidays often get lost in all the things we feel compelled to do to celebrate them in the “right way.” If we give ourselves the freedom to create more meaningful and/or joyful celebrations, rather than following what’s scripted, I think much of the stress will disappear.
Linda
The holidays in my opinion are gaining a negative connotation. The stress involved is ridiculous! Personally I love to keep things simple and spend the time with family. Thank you again for the great post.
Thank you, Linda! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. The whole holiday season can be very stressful for people. They get overextended in many different ways. It can also trigger past traumas, or remind them of past losses and activate waves of grief. I’m glad that you’ve found a way to go through the holidays that works for you!
Linda