Peace and reflection at the year's end
The pre-Christmas season should ideally be a time of peace, mindfulness, and reflection. However, December often becomes a whirlwind of rushing, stress, and exhaustion.
To help you truly enjoy the holiday season this year and relax, we’ve prepared some tips for you.
It Doesn’t All Have to Be Perfect
During the holiday season, the expectations we place on ourselves can easily pile up: the house must be spotless, the big meal absolutely perfect, and you should always appear happy and smiling, while also being patient.
If that doesn’t sound overwhelming and impossible, what does? Here’s a little secret to repeat to yourself often and loudly: It doesn’t all have to be perfect.
Your home doesn’t need to look flawless, the food can be over-salted or burnt, and it’s okay to say no or feel angry sometimes. What matters is that you spend your time the way you want and surround yourself with family and friends. Whether every corner of your home is cleaned or a lavish dinner is set on the table is less important. Your loved ones will agree.
No High Expectations
This thought goes hand in hand with the first mantra. But it’s not just about your expectations of yourself – it’s also about the holiday season itself, the reactions and feelings of others, and the dreams you want to fulfill by the end of the year. Be kind to yourself. You know that anything can come your way, including things you might not want to face.
If you can’t find the perfect Christmas gift for everyone, you can always give it for their next birthday. If you haven’t achieved all the goals you set at the beginning of the year, write them down for next year and remember how much you’ve grown over the past 12 months.
Take Time for What Truly Matters to You
You don’t have 25 hands and 10 bodies to handle every little task and attend every party and celebration. Even if your calendar seems packed in the weeks leading up to Christmas, narrow it down to the events that truly matter to you.
Not every Christmas event holds the same significance. Attending three celebrations with full attention and mindfulness is far more enjoyable than half-heartedly participating in seven.
Choose the most important occasions of the holiday season for yourself and enjoy them to the fullest. Create wonderful and meaningful memories from them. A less crowded calendar before Christmas can be liberating.
I Act as I Think
You tell yourself in the fall that you’re looking forward to the holiday season. To the peace at home and the coziness – and then in December? You’re under more stress than ever!
If Christmas is truly a time of love, peace, and mindfulness for you, then strive for that with all your might. You’ll be proud of yourself!
If you prefer to go out a lot during Christmas, visiting relatives and friends, then do that too. No one can dictate how you should celebrate your Christmas – just do it the way you desire most!
Don’t Let Your Surroundings Influence You
The high expectations often stem from the world presenting us with an image of the perfect Christmas. Whether in public, on social media, or even among family: we see the notion of a flawless Christmas where everyone is supposed to be blissfully happy. But these are just ideals and often have little to do with reality.
Few people have Christmas decorations as stunning as those seen in movies or on Pinterest. Not many manage to bake several types of cookies every weekend. So don’t let that get you down.
Reflect on the Year and Learn from It
Cheesy? Perhaps.
A good idea? Definitely.
Take some time in December to reflect on the past months. Remember the good times and the areas where you can improve. Learn from your mistakes and seek to make amends with those you may have left behind in your life.
Self-reflection empowers you to approach the new year like a blank page, ready to be written and experienced anew. You can start fresh with new ideas and thoughts, and a clear conscience. So: take a moment – think – reflect – breathe: 2023 will be a good year.
