Christmas Connection

It’s that time of year again, decorating, baking, shopping, family, parties, the list goes on and on. All wonderful, exciting things, but also things that can contribute to unnecessary stress in our lives, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected.

I love Christmastime, but throughout the years, I’ve noticed myself getting a little anxiety- ridden as the season draws near. So, I did some self-assessing and realized that I needed to simplify what and how I enjoy the season.

I used to feel obligated to say yes to every soirée or invitation that came my way. Now, I look at what needs to be accomplished and if those things can happen without my sanity being compromised, I engage in them, if not, I graciously and peacefully decline. Besides, I wouldn’t want to not enjoy the activity, because I was worrying about what all I wasn’t getting done.

There was also a time when we used to travel 3 places on Christmas Day due to my parents being divorced, not including church and my mother-in-law’s on Christmas Eve. Now, we only go 2 places and either Celebrate the day after or a few days before. It’s so much more enjoyable to be able to actually spend TIME with those we love than to just show up exhausted and disconnected just to say we visited.

Remember, Christmas doesn’t have to be all in one day, it’s a season, ENJOY IT!

I’ve also started to allow myself 5-10 minutes in the morning or evening to just sit and look at the soft, twinkling glow of our Christmas tree. You’d be amazed what just 5 minutes can do to help regroup and reconnect you.

My nana used to tell my mom when she was frazzled at Christmas: “Christmas will come and Christmas will go, just like it always does every year.” Thinking back to her words, I’ve realized that those words are so true. If something doesn’t get done or everything doesn’t turn out “perfect”, it doesn’t matter, because Christmas wont be cancelled!

Another thing that has been helpful is to have a few meaningful traditions with our kids, every year we like to start the season off with attending “A Christmas Carol” at the Byham Theater. It really sets the tone for the season. If you can’t go to the show, watch it on DVD, traditions don’t have to be expensive.

Regardless of what you decide works for you and your family, remember to stop and just take it all in.Christmas comes once a year, enjoy all of your decorations, cookies, family, whatever feels like home to you.

I hope you find some magical and peaceful moments this season as you go about merry-making and I hope this post will encourage you to embrace connection to yourself and others.

May the hope of the season fill your heart and home and may God bless you and your family in the coming year!

Joelle