Growing up, the holiday season was a time where the anticipation of it started weeks before and there was always a huge buildup to it. I remember in elementary and high school, the holiday feels always got you in this giddy mood, but of course at that time, it was more because you knew you’d be on vacation for at least a couple of weeks. Now as an adult facing the ups and downs of life, having time off beyond Christmas and Boxing Day is not always guaranteed and the holidays truly just come and go in a heartbeat. That’s why it’s so important to really try and enjoy the essence of the season before you find yourself turning the calendar to January.
Relax – The only way to truly make the most of the holidays is to give yourself the opportunity to. Worries of tomorrow will never go away, so let this time of the year be the one moment that you allow yourself to disconnect and just enjoy your time with your loved ones. If there are obstacles that you are currently facing, try not to dwell on them. Be optimistic and believe in the positive outcome of whatever hurdle you might be facing. Life is too short to consume yourself over things you can’t control.
Gift of Giving – Yes, this sounds cliched but the holiday feels just make it real. Donate, donate, donate. Whether it’s the two dollars at your local Tim Hortons which gets your name on a paper snowflake, or at a nearby shelter or donation centre. Just give whatever you can. A perfect example is that I give out holiday cards every year – the recipients tend to fluctuate but for the most part, it’s usually the same special people in my life. I do this because it makes me feel good, it’s something I enjoy doing. I don’t expect anything in return. If I get a card or two back, it’s an added bonus, but it’s really all about making someone else’s day a bit brighter.
Say a Prayer – No matter what time of the year it may be, everyone is fighting a battle of their own, so take this time to say a special prayer – in whatever form that makes sense for you – for those in need and never forget that while you might be going through a rough patch, you’re most certainly not alone.
Choose Positivity and Forgive – It’s been said many times, but only because it’s true: forgiveness is liberating. And it really is. Holding onto grudges and aging beefs does nothing for the health of our soul. Part of the reason peace in the world is so hard to come by is because people just can’t seem to get over themselves. Holding a grudge and being angry is a choice at the end of the day. If you choose that path, then the ensuing consequence of that choice will only exude negative feelings. On the other hand, if you make a conscious decision to choose to let go of the past and forgive those that have once wronged you, you will surprise yourself at how much weight will be lifted off your shoulders. You will never forget what might have caused that initial rift, but at least now, you are accepting that occurrence in your life, learning and growing from it, and moving on in peace and not anger.
And on that note, I wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season filled with love, light, laughter and nothing but positive vibes all around. Happy Holidays!
The header image can be found here.
Sarah Warsi 