The holiday train has left the station. The countdown to Christmas is on and for many, the calendar for the next month is already full. There are lots of ways to stave off stress this holiday season, but one sure-fire way to stay happy over the holidays is to make sure you fit in some self-care.
Expectations. Have you ever noticed that if you expect something to go a certain way, it’s almost a guarantee that it won’t? Like when your infant is finally sleeping through the night and you stay up that extra couple of hours because you expect her to sleep the eight-hour stretch she’s been sleeping for the last two weeks? Then bam! She wakes up four times that night. Yeah, that.
Letting go of, or managing, expectations can also ease the potential stress of the holiday season.
I’ve been fortunate to have some incredible holiday time with my husband and kids this summer. After an especially hectic first half of the year, it’s been fantastic to have open-ended days as a family to do as we choose. Lazy mornings and big healthy breakfasts, swimming and building sandcastles at the beach, picnic lunches, exploring new country towns, finding playgrounds we’ve never frequented, barbecues with the in-laws, and quiet evenings on our front porch. It’s been glorious.
If you’ve read my past couple of blog posts (hi there, and thanks for reading), you’ve had a taste of some two-minute meditations to help you survive the holidays with your sanity intact.
We’ve figured out how to breathe deep and let go (Just Breathe podcast), and how to fight the fatigue (Get Energized podcast). Now it’s time to count our blessings.
So … apparently the holidays are approaching. The red cups have appeared at Starbucks, Christmas carols are playing in the stores, and our very own Sarah has been inspiring us with all her gorgeous holiday decor. Don't get me wrong - I love Christmas, the spirit of the season, and the family festivities that go along with it.
