December is the month with parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting and although we want to enjoy this festive time, let’s face it, with the joy of the season comes a great deal of stress. Living mindfully during this time can be challenging if not downright impossible.
The energy is stirred up as we get caught up in “buying the perfect gift”, deciding how much to spend, or if we even have the extra funds to spend on gifts. There is a lot of stress and fear around money. Then there’s the family or friends drama that we sometimes PRE worry about. Again this comes down to fear of something that happened in the past.
Let us also not forget the resistance whether conscious or unconscious that comes up WHILE we’re putting on the face of enjoying ourselves. It’s no wonder we eat and drink too much while “celebrating”!
Here are some tips for living a more mindful December:
- Take time for yourself. Schedule it in so YOU are a part of your holiday festivities
- Be aware it might not be you. We tend to take things personally when it comes to family and friends. Try to remember it is where they are coming from not who you are. If you resist or try to control what they say or do you will probably feel invalidated. If that happens you’ve just allowed them and their truth to control you.
- Take the “high road”. Don’t let guilt or invalidation rule you and there is definitely no need to prove anything to anyone. Let go of it. Like water off a ducks back…it doesn’t have to stick! (see tip number 2)
- Remember to enjoy the journey! With all we have to do it’s a great time to remind ourselves to BE and enjoy the moment. Take in the sights and sounds of the season. Stop and smell the roses, or at this time of year those luscious almonds being roasted with cinnamon.
While you’re living mindfully consider GIVING BACK to those in need of a little holiday cheer. Every journey is about giving and receiving. Give freely whether it’s your time or (if you are in a position to do so) money. Be a secret Santa, give a child a warm winter coat or donate to your local food bank so a needy family has a nice meal. If you don’t have the means to purchase or donate, give a smile and a hello to those you pass on the street. This is a difficult time for many and your smile might brighten their day and be the very thing they need.