Principle #1
It’s that time again! The hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Do you get excited or stressed this time of year? When was the last time you enjoyed the holiday that you and your family celebrate? I don’t mean the last few days of the holidays when you’re exhausted; I mean truly enjoyed preparing and “being” with the season?
There are so many things to get done that we don’t enjoy the spirit of the season. This is the time of year to enjoy and have fun with your family and friends! We tend to make it hard on ourselves by trying to remember all the things that must be done. Putting up decorations, shopping for presents, sending cards and baking.
This reminds me of a story about my grandson. My husband and I took our grandson to buy a new pair of tennis shoes at the beginning of the school year. He wanted Sketchers Energy Lights tennis shoes……really? They are $75.00-$100.00! He’s only 7! We got him Sketchers S Light shoes for half of that price! He was happy that he got tennis shoes with lights and we were happy with the price.
He was looking at his old shoes and the box of the new shoes. What’s with kids and boxes? He said, “Mammy, both of my (pairs) shoes have memory foam. No wonder I can remember everything! My shoes help my memory!” If only it were that easy!
It’s okay if you don’t remember everything! Why do we put this stress on ourselves? I’ll admit that this is what I did. For some reason I thought that for my family to have a memorable holiday I had to make sure that everything was perfect. How unrealistic is that? It doesn’t matter if your house is not the brightest in the neighborhood or if you don’t remember to send out cards this year. It’s about the fun and the memories that you make!
“Holidays are about experiences and people and tuning into what you feel like doing at that moment. Enjoy not having to look at a watch.” – Evelyn Glennie, Musician
Consider these ideas for helping you to “get it all done”. Have your family over to help you decorate your tree. It’s a great way of having fun together! Draw names for presents. You will only have to buy one instead of fifteen gifts. How about sending out one email card and blind copying everyone? Limit your expectations of what you think the holidays are supposed to be and think about what is important.
So whatever holiday your family celebrates, sit back and enjoy it this year. Have fun spending time with family and friends. Laugh and make memories! This is what the holiday season is all about!
If you need an inspiring gift idea, give a copy of Cindy’s book, Jungle: A Journey to Peace, Purpose, and Freedom. Available in paperback, e-book and audiobook.
Jungle: A Journey to Peace, Purpose, and Freedom
Freedom is possible!
Love,
Deb