The most beautiful time of the year is fast approaching and sometimes is paired with feelings of overwhelmingness. It's time to start Christmas prep, but with so much going on in the world currently, it can feel like everything is out of our control. We have to focus on what we can control instead of what we can't. Focus on your words, thoughts, and actions instead of others. This can help with gaining your control back and start planning a Christmas that you can truly enjoy.
It is essential to protect ourselves and set boundaries to stay present for ourselves and our families with so much going on. For this holiday season, I created a guide that helped clarify what I want to watch, avoid and give my undivided attention to. These are five ways to help conquer the holiday season that will help prepare our minds and how we want to show up.
~Explore How You Feel
Focus on exploring how you feel during this Christmas season. Do weekly check-ins to make sure that you're not feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. Try asking yourself these questions whenever you feel overwhelmed to remind yourself that it is important to feel your best.
How do I want to feel?
What causes me to feel this way?
What will you need to do to feel at your best for the season?.
~Create a NO List
There are so many things that could be done, but at what cost? Protecting your time and space can help give you a sense of control. Good boundaries are crucial to your well-being. Saying yes to the right things will let you stay present this Christmas. Don't be afraid to say no to people or businesses that might prevent you from staying present. After you have identified all those factors, plan out how you're going to set them in motion so you can pay attention to what is most valuable and enjoyable to you this holiday season.
~Reflect on the Past
Christmas is filled with so many memories and traditions, from childhood to adulthood, there are so many moments we can grasp too. Try thinking back to your childhood, use those fond memories, and incorporate them into your own family. Whether it be drinking hot chocolate by the fireplace or listening to Christmas carols, it's important to remember those smells, tastes, sounds and textures because they can bring warmth and happiness.
~Self-Compassion = Recognizing our own
Suffering
During this season, it is common for feelings of suffering to emerge. With so many expectations of feeling or being positive or being in the Holiday spirit, we start to fall victim to self-judgement when we don't. It is so important to practice self-compassion and be gentle to yourself. Don't hold onto your emotions; try journaling to set all your feelings free.
~All things Hygge: Elements and Touches
Hygge is a sensory experience, focuses on the things you enjoy, relish in life's simple pleasures and stay in the present moment. This holiday season, try dressing cozy and focus on elements that bring you comfort. Savour all the senses that come with the season, from all the sparkling lights, the smell of hot drinks, the sound of Christmas carols, the taste of baked goods to the feel of fuzzy blankets. Stay present and cherish the memories.
Christmas prep can get hectic and overwhelming, but try to remember these five tips to conquering the holiday season, so you can stay feeling your best.
If you find yourself in the same environment of distractions, check out this free resource, a PDF download that will help you replace your overwhelmed mindset with renewed clarity for a truly Merry Christmas this year.
As Mom's life can quickly become consuming trying to "do it all." It is of great value and benefit to you and your family to take some time to do some preliminary planning so you can be clear on how you will support yourself and your family's best this holiday season for a truly meaningful Christmas.
Grab this free guide that will help cultivate what's important this Christmas season. The more clear you are the better you will guide and protect yourself from overwhelm.