The lights, the music, the sweets, the presents, yes people, we just wrapped up another holiday season. Now although this can be a magical and exciting time or year, it can also be stressful.
Somehow over the years, it seems that Christmas has become more and more materialistic. You see commercials with someone buying a family member a car without even talking to them first. There are also people swarming local stores and malls from mid-November onward. Honestly, it makes me not even want to go out during this time of year because a lot of people are crazy shoppers.
The holidays can also be a tough time for those that have lost loved ones. The season brings up memories of past years. There are also a lot of families that feel the pressure financially this time of year. Maybe they can’t afford the toys that their kids want for the holiday season. Or maybe they just feel pressure in general to make the holiday season magical for their families.
I remember being a kid and feeling the magic of Christmas. Getting my favorite Bratz doll, watching the Grinch (the 2000 one of course), going to Hershey Park to see the Christmas lights and making gingerbread houses and/or cookies. Somewhere along the way, it lost its magic.
And I want to bring it back.
Here are a few things that we should all try to do going forward:
- Giving-Spend time giving back to your community. Volunteer at an animal shelter or donate money to a local charity. Whatever it is, take the time and do it. The experience will be worth it and it will feel rewarding helping others as well.
- Be Kind-There are many people who work in retail or the restaurant industry that are required to work on holidays. So while you are sitting home celebrating the holiday, they are working. Treat these people with kindness and empathy not just during this time of year but always. If you have the money, give them a few extra dollars for a tip.
- Be Thankful-Be thankful for what you have. Appreciate the clothes on your back, the food on your table, the roof over your head, and most importantly, the people in your life. Consider sending your friends and family a text or a letter telling them how much they mean to you.
- Take a Moment-I challenge you to take a minute to slow down. Whether that is taking a minute to look at some beautiful holiday lights, listening to your favorite holiday song, baking gingerbread cookies with your family, watching the first snow of the season or just partaking in your favorite holiday drink or treat, I recommend taking in these moments and savoring them.
It’s important to remember that this time of year does not have to be perfect. In fact, we can find happiness in these imperfections. Maybe your kids didn’t get everything they wanted from Santa. But in the end, they felt the love of their parents and saw how hard they tried to make this season fun for them. Or maybe you find yourself missing a loved one during this time of year. Take some time, share memories of them with family. Or take time to watch a holiday movie that they loved or that you watched together. Continuing these traditions is of course difficult, but there is magic in it too, I promise.
Let the magic come back to you next holiday season, even if it’s just for a few minutes. You deserve it. Happy Holidays Everyone!
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