Embracing Holiday Bliss: Destressing Through Imperfections and Scheduling
The holiday season, while magical, often brings with it a whirlwind of stress and chaos.
When I get my first coffee drink served up in a holiday cup in November it usually brings anxiety thinking about all the things that need to be done. In 2006, I had the most relaxed and pleasant holiday season ever and this year I was determined to relive that feeling.
That year, I was expecting our third baby right at Christmas. I was so determined to enjoy it that I set a reasonable and flexible schedule (sort of had to because we had 4-year-old twins too) but also set intentions with myself to just enjoy the chaos and not to sweat the small stuff.
Between the decorations, family gatherings, cards, and gift shopping, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed. However, with a mindful approach and a commitment to celebrating imperfections, you can navigate the holidays with grace and joy.
Celebrating Imperfections
One of the greatest sources of stress during the holidays is the pursuit of perfection. Whether it’s the perfectly decorated tree, the flawless holiday meal, or the ideal family photo, the quest for perfection can quickly lead to frustration and disappointment. Instead, consider embracing the beauty of imperfections.
Embrace the Chaos:
Family gatherings rarely unfold as smoothly as they do in a Hallmark movie (unless you’re a big city reporter who’s writing a story about how you don’t like Christmas and you who gets stuck in a snowy small town about 2 days from Christmas, and that’s perfectly okay. Instead of striving for flawless events, appreciate the spontaneous moments and unexpected laughter that come with the chaos of a lively celebration.
Forgive Yourself:
The holidays are about connection and joy, not about measuring up to your social media friends who are posting about their perfect cookies.
The Secret Is a Well-Balanced Schedule
A well-thought-out schedule can be a game-changer during the holiday season. It can help you prioritize self-care, manage your time effectively, and ensure that you have the energy to truly enjoy the festivities.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritize the quiet moments and exercise in the holiday schedule to keep yourself sane and energized.
Keep It Real: It's crucial to set realistic expectations for yourself during the holidays. Be mindful of your time and energy limitations, and don't be afraid to say no to additional commitments that could overwhelm you.
Flexibility Is Key: While it's helpful to have a schedule, it's equally important to be flexible. I struggle in this department, so I am including it here to check myself. Having three young adults at home with their own ideas of the holiday schedule has kept me having to be flexible and enjoying the time we do get and not overprogramming everyone.
Delegate and Enjoy: You don't have to do everything on your own, there is nothing else to say about that.
Destressing during the holidays lies in embracing imperfections and developing a well-balanced and flexible schedule. By letting go of the pursuit of perfection and prioritizing self-care and realistic expectations, you can create a holiday season filled with joy and meaningful connections.
By the way, my youngest was born just a few days before Christmas 2006, and after leaving the hospital on December 24, we stopped on the way home from the hospital to pick up a Honey Baked Ham—which always makes me laugh.
Take a moment to reflect on one of your most cherished holiday moments. Was it because it was flawless? Probably not. So remember, the holidays are about creating memories, not meeting some external ideal.