Plainly speaking, this generation has been trained to focus on commercialism during the holidays. The former notions of peace and thankfulness often get replaced by shopping, decoration, gift wrapping, and cooking. With the hustle and bustle taking the forefront, it's easy for Christmas to start feeling like a task list of errands instead of the Holly Jolly time of year that Bing Crosby used to sing about. That causes feelings of stress, overwhelm, and even dread during a time that we're supposed to look forward to.
To combat this, we must find moments of quiet contemplation. My resolution for this may sound easier said than done. But it's a matter of practice and reminders. As busy creatures with a thousand things in our phone calendars, we don't leave ourselves much time for peace. But allotting yourself even twenty minutes per day to sit and breathe can do wonders for your mood and mental health.
Write it in your phones, set an alarm, have a friend text you to keep you accountable. Do whatever you have to do. Whether it's part of your morning routine in the shower, or at night before bed, be alone with your thoughts to remember the reason for the season. Take the time to drum up memories from nostalgic Christmases past, and to conjure moments from loved ones whom you miss most during this time of year.
Set some new precedents for the holidays. Lower your spending limits and buy less material things. Dance around to Christmas music while you wrap five presents per day, instead of stressing yourself out by doing them all at once. Have some simple holiday nights in with your family, watching movies with hot chocolate in your pajamas. Reconnect with people that you've missed out on throughout the year.
Life simply goes by too quickly to be stressing over traditions set by people you've never met. Make your holidays what YOU want them to be. Start your OWN traditions that make you happy instead of slowly crossing tasks off of a list. You only get so many of these years in good health with all the people that you love. Spend these days thinking of all the cool places and people you've seen, instead of rushing to get to the next big date on the calendar. With some balance in your holiday season, you may remember the excitement that you once felt for these days as a child. And that kind of youthful innocence is one of the best gifts you could ever give yourself.
Happy Holidays, My Blessed Readers,
Jason Burke
