From the Editor
As I write this, I am knee deep in Christmas decoration boxes, tangled light strings, miscellaneous pieces of indoor and outdoor wreaths and garland, we have collected through the years. The garland leaves the tell tale green pine needles everywhere and my dogs are tearing into it all. I am feeling anything but joyful. In fact looking at all this clutter and chaos could turn this Christmas lover into a Grinch.
Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by the holidays? Between the decorations, shopping, baking, hosting and attending parties, I feel exhausted before it even begins! December is no doubt the busiest month of the year.
Here are six strategies that have helped me to regain my sometimes-elusive holiday joy.
Focus on the Good. I know, it sounds too simple and obvious, but what we focus on grows. When I’m looking for something to be upset about, no doubt, I’ll find it. Then if I keep repeating it in my head, the smallest thing can ruin a whole day. We can’t prevent all of life’s inconveniences, but our power lies in how we respond to them.
Lower expectations. One of the greatest ways to increase joy is to decrease what we expect. Let every situation simply be what it IS as opposed to what we thought it should be or would like it would be. Expectations are the number one thief of joy.
Forgive. Along with being more forgiving toward ourselves, we have a much greater chance of having a peaceful holiday season if we are also more forgiving toward others. I often refer to it as the art of “Letting it go.”
Turn worry into wonder. Rather than worry about who will be at the party, if everyone will get along or if someone will like their gift, embrace a childlike wonder of these unknowns. It feels so much better and releases us from the useless burden of worry.
Borrow from your past. Favorite holiday memories can have a powerful effect. Consider making cookies from your childhood, watching an old movie, listening to a particular song, or even reading a treasured children’s book.
Volunteer at a shelter or hospital. Spending time serving those who are in more difficult situations than we are at the moment, has many benefits. It offers a huge reality check on how fortunate we are and it reminds us that the best gift truly is the gift of giving, especially when it’s done without expectation of anything in return.
Hoping you find one or maybe even all of these, to be helpful. Wishing you a joyful holiday season with your loved ones.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
RECIPE FOR HOLIDAY STRESS:
Everything must go perfectly. My home must be perfectly decorated. My meals must be perfectly prepared, healthy, organic and from scratch. I must have a card or a present for everyone. My family must be happy all the time. If everything is not under control, everyone is not happy, or I make an error or omission, Christmas is ruined.
RECIPE FOR HOLIDAY JOY:
I will do the best I can within my ability and capacity of time, money, and energy to make the holidays special. I may or may not be able to do everything I would prefer to do. Other people may or may not approve of my choices or appreciate my efforts. I might burn the cookies or forget to wrap a present or arrive later than I said I would to an event. That’s OK. I’m human.
