The holidays—Thanksgiving through New Years–are soon here! It is easy for all of us to get caught up in the fever of doing too much as well as being stressed, sleep deprived, and not in a place of gratitude or joy. The world celebrates almost 30 holidays during this time of the year. However you celebrate the holidays, or even if you don’t, stress can run high.
So for a few moments, pause and consider the intention to create a more meaningful holidays for you and those important to you. What would it be like to consider a simpler and more satisfying way of being in November and continuing this intention into December? How might you begin in small consistent ways, stick with it, and be realistic?
One example of setting intentions is found in the classic book, Unplug the Christmas Machine. It offers appealing, timeless advice to consider adapting to improve your holiday experience. Specifically, the book encourages committing to the goals below:
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My holiday goals:
Express my love and gratitude to friends and family in non-material ways.
Remember those people who truly need my gifts.
Examine my holiday activities in light of my deepest values.
Be a peacemaker within my circle of family and friends.
Rededicate myself to spiritual growth.
From: Robinson, J., & Staeheli, J. C. (1991). Unplug the Christmas Machine: How to have the Christmas you’ve always wanted. New York: Morrow.
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No matter how you celebrate the holidays, focusing on small, attainable changes to bring greater purpose, meaning, and less stress to this season can be beneficial to both mental and physical health. For instance, if you are inspired by part/s of the pledge above. Choose one point to focus on, or write/practice your own version. Start small because baby steps truly pay off!
Best wishes in setting and implementing holiday intentions that will work for you now and into 2019!