My family just gobbled down the last remains of our Thanksgiving feast and the Christmas tree is up, setting a McGlothern record for decorating for the season on December 1st. Typically one to decorate later in the month, I gave birth to a lover of the Christmas season, so I agreed with our  daughter to get the tree and put out the decorations all while stuffing and Thanksgiving mashed potatoes were still in the fridge. Don’t tell her,  but I love it. My morning meditation has been back dropped with the white twinkling lights of our tree.

I’m already being asked by the grocery store clerks if I’m ready for the holidays. After thirty something years of not liking the Christmas season due to painful childhood memories and rewriting my experience of the season for the last fifteen years, I’m able to answer sincerely with, “yes, ready in spirit.” Even with the gift list unwritten, meals unplanned, let alone knowing what I will be purchasing, I’m ready. This year a work trip is taking me out of town so I literally won’t create a list until nine more shopping days before the big day. Am I stressed? No. Like I said, I’m ready in spirit. How am I breathing easily?  If you would like to get in on the secret of celebrating and enjoying the holiday without stress that makes you wish it were already the New Year, allow me to share the one list I do have already:

•  Ditch the crazy. I’m the only one who creates the stress and madness of trying to please everyone and do everything to create what I think is the perfect Christmas. Before I say yes to creating, making, buying, or participating in a tradition I ask — do I have the bandwidth for this? Will this be worth the effort? Am I doing this for the right reasons? I don’t compare to last year, to when I was a kid, or to what others are doing and I simply get clear about what logistically can happen with a calm and joyful spirit. I remind myself that Christmas will come regardless of what I do and that Christmas is all about love, giving, receiving and joy. Also important, note: If my doing and making myself crazy ripples out and others feel it, that is a gift that can’t be returned at the store. The peaceful, joyful presence of another person is the best gift of all to unwrap.

 

•  Sleep. I get into bed early to balance out those celebratory nights when I will be up late. I nap. I make resting a top priority.

 

•  Less is more. Take things off the list before they’re done and give myself a hall pass this year. Less activity in one day sets me up to actually taste the eggnog, smell the pine tree, and experience what the season is supposed to be all about. This not only creates more enjoyment, it wards off winter illness. (not to mention stress and anxiety, see the first bullet point, *ditch the crazy)

 

• Fill my cup. Not just in the morning like any regular day but throughout the day. All December I schedule joy. I slow down and ask what I need in that moment and I listen to my heart and soul, sushing my head which will lead me to ignoring my cup. This allows for when I am preparing, planning, and celebrating with others, they get the best of me.

 

Wherever this finds you, ready in spirit or pulling out your hair, I invite you to breathe as you choose to create a list of what you truly have the bandwidth for as you choose for the reasons that feel right in your heart.

 

Cheers, Jenny

(Photo Cred Starbucks)