The Holiday Hustle. It is an expression that sometimes makes me wish I could slow down time from early November until the New Year. 

Each year the holidays seem to sneak up on me faster and faster. 

Wasn’t I just planting flowers in April?

Well, friends, we are in the middle of the hustle and some days feel overwhelming, but no matter of our religious or spiritual principles, the holidays are a time of connection and hope. The holidays manifest an opportunity for us to be thankful, reflect on our lives, spend time with special people in our lives and express love.  

Finding grace, patience, and balance in the middle of the battling for the last parking spot, searching for that perfect present, and managing social expectations can make the hustle feel impossible, but we can find a balance to enjoy the holidays in ways that bring us peace. 

Do Things That Bring You Joy

If I have learned anything in the last two years it is that I am responsible for ensuring I have joy in my life and it is okay for me to say “no” to things that don’t bring me joy. Maybe it is literally stopping to ‘smell the roses’ (or the pine tree) or declining an invitation because I would rather do something else. 

Joy and happiness are feelings that cause us to smile and smiling can elevate our mood, lower our heart rates and reduce stress. 

If you like to dance in your kitchen while making Christmas cookies, turn up your Alexa and dance.  If something makes you smile, just do it. 

The opportunities for finding joy are endless.  And remember, if an activity brings you more angst than joy it is okay to pass.

Embrace Traditions: New & Old

Some, like my dear Nana, would say that traditions are what brings magic to the holidays. Traditions look different to each of us but they are what we hold special in our heart and what we look forward to. Share your traditions with others. Some of my favorite “new” traditions are things that other friends have shared with me. 

One in particular I love is a yearly “gratitude” jar. Pick out a special jar and throughout the year when remarkable happen write them down and put them in the jar. And remember for something to be remarkable it doesn’t have to be grand; it just has to be meaningful.  On New Year’s Eve sit down and read all the memories.  It is a special way to reflect on what is important to you or your family.  

Make “You” a Priority

Put yourself first. No, it’s not selfish. Putting your wellness first lets you pour from a full cup. If you find it hard or uncomfortable to put you before those you care about, especially those you care for, schedule time for you.  

Self-care can be practiced in as little as five minutes and it is intentional.  It is something we do to better our bodies and clear our minds. Meditate, take a walk in nature, create a new playlist, take a nap, paint, run!  The possibilities are endless. 

Be Present

It is so easy to be distracted and focused on our “next to-do” while the Holiday Hustle keeps us running, but being present is a gift to those around us. 

Remaining present is about staying alert in our surroundings and being mindful of our thoughts, feelings, and actions. I know it can be harder than it sounds. 

One way to manage intrusive thoughts is to acknowledge the thought and tell yourself that you will come back to it another time. 

For instance, if you are playing a game with someone and you have thought about how you are going to handle holiday celebrations with the impending Omicron Variant of COVID 19, tell yourself that you will come back to the thought about planning later and continue to be present with the person you are playing with. 

If it is something you worry you may forget, jot down a note or save a reminder on your phone.  Being present provides a connection with our inner selves and the outside work.

Reflection

As we wrap up the holidays, we begin a new year. A year full of possibilities. While we ponder what amazement (and challenges) may face us, it is time for us to reflect and assess. Are we happy with the life we are living? What goals do we have for the next year and what matters the most to us? 

As we think about the trials we faced and the successes we celebrated, it is the perfect time to give ourselves grace for making it through. How do you want to live in 2022 and what steps will you take to make it happen?   

Here’s to finding peace in the Holiday Hustle and living well in 2022.