By the time you read this post it will be Christmas Eve here in the U.S. As many of you know, I love the holiday season…the lights, the parties, the food, the gift giving, and yes, the Hallmark movies. But, as I’m assuming we would all agree, this time of year can come with its challenges. Even more so than other times of the year.
The other day I was talking to a client about all the ‘shoulding’ that comes with the holidays. I’ve talked about not ‘shoulding’ on ourselves before, but it seems like this time of year brings some extra ‘shoulds’ to the table. “I should send out Christmas cards.” “I should bake really festive cookies.” “I should decorate my house so it looks just right.” “I should get that person a gift because they got me one.” And when we don’t do those things we think we should…the things we assume everyone else is doing perfectly…we just add all this pressure to our own lives. I’ve found it can take its toll.
So this Christmas Eve, as you read this, I invite you to stop for a second and notice what your day looks like. Is it filled with a massive to-do list? Are you running around frantically shopping for last minute gifts? Are you trying desperately to make the house look just right for guests? Are you slaving over a hot stove trying to finish prepping for a massive meal? Are you sitting in traffic on the way to visit family just because you think you’re supposed to? Or….
Are you doing something you love? Are you surrounded by family, friends, or framily that you adore? Are you enjoying your fur babies? Are you laughing because the tree is looking pretty droopy at this point? Are you taking a walk with your spouse and those fur babies? Are you sitting back and watching a Christmas movie?
Let’s all take stock. Let’s start a new tradition. Instead of trying to do the things that we think we’re supposed to around this time of year, let’s do the things we want to. And not just for the holiday. For the whole year. Life is short. What you SHOULD do…
Is find the joy.
Merry Christmas to all!
Live and learn in Munay.