Twinkling lights, holiday music, your favorite cookies … all the feels of warmth, joy, and excitement.
The holidays can be full of magical memories and endearing traditions- a time to slow down and be with the ones you love. But what if the holidays don’t feel so merry and bright to you?
If you enjoy attending every Christmas party and parade, the baking, the crafts, the gifts, and the full holiday experience – keep decking the halls! But if the holiday cheer leaves you feeling — well, a bit Grinchy — and you find yourself overwhelmed and dreading the endless ‘to-do’ list, it might be time to kick FOMO (fear of missing out) to the curb and instead focus on creating a more intentional holiday for you.
What if we turn that FOMO into JOMO (joy of missing out)?
Feeling like you have to keep up or participate in every activity may prevent you from being present for the ones that you actually enjoy. In fact, it can lead to feeling irritable, resentful, and burnt out. Give your family, and yourself, the gift of the best of you this holiday. Here’s how to start:
- Set an Intention. Perhaps it’s prioritizing quality time reading your favorite Christmas stories with your family, or building a snowman complete with a carrot nose. Whatever the activity is, consciously make the decision to slow down and allow yourself to soak in and fully experience the moments that make the season so special.
- Use Awareness to check in with how you’re feeling. Are you feeling frazzled? Overwhelmed? Be honest with yourself about why you may feel pulled to participate in every activity. Jot down a list of 3-5 activities that actually help you feel a sense of joy this season.
- Using your list from above, choose the top 3 activities that bring you feelings of peace and connection. This may require you to set loving boundaries with others and saying ‘no’ to anything that feels like too much.
- Keep a schedule. Take some pressure out of your to-do list by planning ahead. Decide when you’re going to shop, cook, decorate, and socialize. And don’t forget to pencil in some time for self care whether it’s cuddling up to watch your favorite holiday movie, or having some hot tea next to the tree.
- Focus on gratitude. Each morning write down 5 things you’re grateful for. By focusing on gratitude, we’re more likely to feel like what we have is enough. It can be as simple as the peaceful falling snow or whipped cream in your hot cocoa.
- Give yourself grace and find what works for you. For some, the holidays aren’t always full of cheer, but instead can bring complicated feelings of grief or loneliness. Try creating a new tradition. This could look like a game night with friends, taking a painting class, or treating yourself to a massage. Consider new or even unconventional holiday rituals.
The best way to create magic isn’t by scrambling from one activity to the next, but rather allowing yourself to be in the moment.
Soak in the details, memorize the sound of your loved one’s laughter, the warmth and crackling of the fire, the harmonizing notes of your favorite Christmas song — and dwell in positive feelings and connection. Give yourself permission to create memories, moment to moment, instead of worrying about all the shoulds. After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year — will you be present enough to enjoy it?
