Last week I was on a much needed vacation in Little Dix Bay located in beautiful British Virgin Gorda, and this week I’m feeling the rush of getting ready for Christmas. As they say, “tis the season to be jolly…also rushed, creative, cranky, jubilant, and sorrowful.”
The holiday season can be the most wonderful time of the year. But it can also be stressful. The absence of a beloved person, family misunderstandings, economic difficulties, physical tiredness, and loneliness can contribute to some of the mixed emotions of the holiday season.
Joy is often mixed with sorrow, and sometimes the sorrow overwhelms the joy. It’s okay to feel what you feel. Every minute doesn’t have to be happy and bright. But no matter what is going on, you owe it to yourself to feel accepting to who you are, where you are in life, and the joys are that available right now.
Reclaim your right to feel more joy by making simple choices that allow you to feel good inside of yourself today. For example:
- Look around and find new ways to appreciate the love and beauty around you.
- Honor your emotions and remember those you love with tears, shared stories, and warm memories.
- Always keep your word to yourself.
- Accept your partner’s or friend’s expressions of love into your heart.
- Value your own efforts and accomplishments.
- Prioritize your activities and choose those most important to your heart.
- Be realistic about your expectations for family gatherings.
- Instead of focusing on problems, envision solutions.
- Practice self-supportive thoughts.
- Lighten up and don’t take yourself so seriously.
- Schedule time every day for relaxation.
- Create the right amount of alone time—spending time with families, friends, and shopping can be stressful.
- Learn to breathe consciously and deeply.
There’s no one right or perfect way that you are supposed to feel during the holidays. Remember that there will be stress and deep emotions, but you can still find ways to relax, take care of yourself and take initiative to decrease tensions and the symptoms of depression that often arise. The spirit of Christmas is inside of you.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
We make the best of what we have……which is quite a lot considering what others do Not have. Christmas is a time for sharing. So make someone’s day even if it is only a smile and a heartfelt “Hello”!
We were hoping to be in Nova Scotia this Christmas, but house hasn’t sold yet…….hopefully in the Spring, which is a time for “new beginnings”.
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to All!
As I approach nearing fifty years of life, I can look back and percieve that not all Christmas’s are the same. Some are filled with optimism, some with the sheer joy of the season, and some are filled with sadness, grief, and even depression. Christmas can be a wonderful holiday and it can also be a lonely time. It takes a lot of introspection and healing to be able to feel grateful when times are tough. And so we thank you for walking the path and for sharing your kind spirit with us. Thank you for sharing your smile with us, and for sharing your heartfelt greetings in these comment sections. We love you and wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and an abundant and jubilent New Year. May your house sell soon because Nova Scotia is waiting for you!