Simple Holiday Rituals to Create Joy

Looking Forward to the Holidays?

If your answer is no, then you're not alone. Many of us find the holidays difficult because they bring up unrealistic expectations and/or negative reminders of the past.

In fact, this is so common that it has been given a name -- holiday blues. A recent poll stated that only 28% of Americans find the holidays joyful.

Let's change this! You deserve to find joy in the holidays. Recapture the joy and celebration by letting go of yesterday's expectations and adopting new rituals, ones that are life giving rather than energy draining (also known as "shoulds")

Most of you know what to do, but it's doing it that is the problem. Here are some reminders:

1. Get clear on the intention of the season --- a time of struggle when love was born that brought hope. Next get clear on your intentions. How can you work with your friends and family to plan meaningful activities not about stuff or stuffing?
2. Set and keep boundaries so you do not feel dragged around to events or situations. Subtract Obligation from your schedule; it leads to resentment.
3. Accept sadness and grief; these emotions are just as important as happiness and joy. Permit yourself to be honest with your emotions and allow yourself to feel where you are truly. Finding those that can share and your emotions is relaxing. So, don't force yourself to be fake cheerful, rather create space where it is safe to be able to be authentic.
4. Savor past joys without comparing them to your present situation. Set a specific plan for learning how to feel "hurts" in a way that "heals".
5. Avoid unnecessary stress and include stress-relieving activities in your schedule (walks, naps, or visits with close friends).
6. Limit drinking since alcohol intensifies feelings of depression.
7. Focus on giving of yourself, not things. And advocate for those that have are vulnerable or hurt by injustice.
8. TAKE CHARGE of your learning on living life so that you get your money's worth.

My holiday wish --- for you to be at peace with your authentic self and with others that are different than you this holiday season.