As much as I love singing Christmas carols, I wish those truly could create “a holly-jolly Christmas” with an auto response of “peace on earth, good will to men.” But the fact is, this time of the year gets far too busy and overbearing with the accumulation of small get-togethers, gift shopping, family schedules, and maybe even trying to cram special moments in with over-tired kids who are more like stage-props than willing participants for the photo.
I really do love the Christmas season. Although it can feel like “the most wonderful time of the year,” it can also become the most hectic time of the year. Even listening to that song’s lyrics of everything to do, I feel exhausted and yet find myself trying to figure out how to accomplish of all my tasks. I can easily feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even depressed.
But there is one thing that I am reminded of every Christmas season that seems counter-intuitive: the more I slow down into the quiet moments, the more I can celebrate the bigger moments. This means that I must have the intentionality to stop myself from driving to every store, watching every holiday movie, or eating every holiday treat in front of me. After all, what is so bad about wanting to partake in the festivities and celebratory moments of the season?
Instead, I choose to give myself little mental breaks or momentary respites; usually in moments of feeling pressure to accomplish much, or being in control of planning out how to please everyone we want to spend time with. The fact is, I have very little control over anything in the holiday season, just like any other time of the year. So my gift to Self (and others) is to choose 1) what can I prioritize with my time/interests, 2) how am I capable of doing those things, and 3) how does this fit into my goals for celebrating the holiday season?
Here are a few tips that may help you this season of celebration (and possible frenzy):
- Make a Gratitude List. Not only make a Christmas wish list – because it’s okay to give/receive gifts – but also reflect to make a “gratitude list”. (Eg. good health, having loved ones to gather with, God’s love for you, basic needs being met.) This has a way of calming down anxious feelings, and even creating space for compassion toward myself and others.
- Sloooowwww doowwwn. Take a mini retreat from distractions and the white noise that is ever-so-subtle. Go for a walk (without music), or sit in silence on a lunch break to observe nature outside the window. For me, it is a challenge to sit quietly in meditation and prayer, because that requires me to “be still” before God and slow down my own thoughts that are like the squirrels in my backyard. It’s comforting when I finally realize that my efforts to control more than my lot in life will only exhaust me. I give myself permission to not overstep – or overcommit.
- Choose a quiet activity (non-screens/electronic). Look at art. Make some art. Do a puzzle, or a craft. (Believe me, you don’t have to be “good” at either of these for it to benefit.) Even breathing slowly allows the body to calm after a minute or two of this exercise. Being alone doesn’t mean loneliness. It is good practice to warrant one’s solitude with Self. We are more than the activities we accomplish.
- Catch up with a friend over a drink in a cozy atmosphere. We do need others for connection.
- Serve others in your community. Be it the local Salvation Army (not just donations in the bucket), or making gift bags for the homeless, or serving meals to refugees in your city. When serving becomes the commodity beyond money, there is a transformation that allows the heart to see the value in humanity. Others need you for connection.
There are many ways to slow down and enjoy your holiday season – and mental health – this year. Little breaks from the busyness of life are like mini moments of celebration and rejuvenation. So if you also find yourself feeling anxious this season, give yourself more holiday rest and care, and have yourself a “mental” little Christmas this year.
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