Early November, I began to feel the subtle onset of of anticipatory stress--a sure sign that the holiday season was just around the corner. In a 4 week span of time, we celebrate 2 thanksgivings, 8 days of Hanukkah, 2 critical birthdays, and THEN Christmas. There's just too much to do in too little time.
Sensing my stress, my energy worker said, "Annie, make this Thanksgiving as simple as possible, do as little as possible, and just take it easy." Correctly assuming that I didn't listen the first time, she gently re-administered her sage advice the next time I saw her. So I heeded her advice and, consequently, had a wonderful, surprisingly relaxed Thanksgiving. I still baked and got the kids their new outfits and haircuts, but it felt easy, unrushed, organic and, dare I say, fun.
Could all holidays and celebrations be this way? Could so many events packed into so little time actually be enjoyable? I decided to conduct an experiment.
I began by setting the intention that each celebration this season will not only be stress-free, but also fun, perhaps even invigorating. It seemed impossible, so I just set the intention and decided to let my actions and choices be guided with this intention in mind.
My experiment worked. It genuinely and unequivocally worked. The entire season has been relaxed, joyous, sometimes even invigorating. I have simply opted out of the holiday chaos. As a result, this has been the absolute best holiday season I can remember.
And the kicker? I still made 4 pies, dozens of cookies, and 3 birthday cakes, crafted decorations, finished knitting a sweater (a year in the making), and wrapped upwards of 60 gifts. But I had fun doing it, did it with a mindful approach, and with minimal (if any) holiday-related stress.
My new intention is that I want every holiday season to be joyful and easy. So I made a list of all the choices and actions I have made these last several months that contributed to this season being so special:
1) I set the intention to have a relaxed and joyous holiday season.
2) I did as much shopping as possible online and at garage sales months in advance
3) I avoided malls and television, both good at feeding holiday chaos and materialism.
4) I decorated the house early so I could be surrounded by Christmas magic as long as possible.
5) I lit candles and had a fire almost every night.
6) We dined atop a blanket in front of the fire several times a week.
7) I opted out of things that I don't enjoy and /or that are potentially stressful, such as holiday cards, Christmas photos, travel, long lines, and all non-required holiday-related activities (yes,even visiting Santa).
8) I avoided leaving the house whenever possible, opting to read books or play games in front of the fire.
9) I cancelled or postponed all appointments (even important ones like therapy and dentists).
10) I tried to do things only when I felt like doing them.
11) I helped myself to extra servings of energy work, yoga, and baths.
12) I gave thanks after each joyous, relaxing celebration.
Wishing All of You a Joy-Filled & Invigorating Holiday Season!
Peace,
Annie
