“Over the years, the way we structure our holidays continues to evolve.
Our days, events and traditions are driven by peace and authentic joy.
We are more intentional about how we engage.”
It had been another very full week. Between neighborhood gatherings, work parties, family get-togethers, and holiday celebrations, we found ourselves congratulating ourselves at the end of yet another holiday season having been accomplished, survived, and conquered. (Yay us!)
This was how we did Christmas in the early years of marriage.
After years of the ‘holiday frenzies’ only increasing, it began to dawn on my husband and me that we would not be able to keep up with this seasonal lifestyle. Actually, the more we discussed it, the more we realized what a beautiful challenge we were facing. We have too many people we love to be around during the holidays…AND we don’t want to miss out.
This became our Holiday Challenge. Find a new way to enjoy every minute of it.
So, what was driving us?
We realized that focusing on questions like— How do we keep up? How do we not disappoint? What expectations do we need to fulfill?— kept us pushing through the holidays. We were actually missing Christmas. Especially the ability to savor and enjoy this special time of year. (Honestly, it was mainly when our kids started showing up ten years into marriage that we were forced to reflect. Nothing like seeing your 1-year old throw a fit while your 3-year old melts down for the 3rd time in an hour that made us wonder if there might be a better way.)
Taking a step back, we invited in new questions.
- How do we enjoy the beauty and sacredness of the holidays?
- How do we engage well with those we love?
- How do we use this time as yet another opportunity to step fully into who we want to become? As individuals? As a couple? As a family?
And after 26+ years together, these holiday questions are still our “go to” to help us not only enjoy each holiday, but to show up well. We love being fully present and enjoying the relationships we cherish. And we want to show up with peace, joy, and love that gives back to friends and family in meaningful ways. We value the sacredness and beauty of what each holiday represents.
Over the years, the way we structure our holidays continues to evolve. Our days, events and traditions are driven by peace and authentic joy. We are more intentional about how we engage.
So, during this holiday season notice the False Beliefs floating around—I have to keep up, I can’t disappoint, I have to make it the perfect experience for my kids,I have to spend a lot of money, etc. Identifying these False Beliefs and replacing them with True Beliefs such as—I get to have beautiful holidays, I get to enjoy the relationships I love, I get to honor my sacred beliefs—will empower you to step into this holiday season with your best self and enjoy every minute of it!
This is the Holiday Challenge. Don’t let your holidays be stolen with frenzied striving. Have the conversations you need and ask the questions that invite in the answers you want. Take back your holidays and cultivate what brings you (and others) more peace and joy.
Enjoy your Christmas & have a very Happy New Year!
My heart is with you and for you,
