Does anyone else kind of struggle with the holidays? It’s been ten years since I had my breakdown. It was December, around 2 weeks before Christmas Day. I remember being hyper triggered and aware of everything that Christmas, aware of every detail. Being in a triggered state is exhausting and it took every bit of my energy. So when I think about the holiday’s, sometimes it’s easy to forget how wonderful the time with my family was. The discovery of champagne truffles and my Mum’s roast potatoes. My Mum playing Christmas carols on my Grandma’s piano. Watching the Queen’s speech and getting excited to open my stocking.
I learnt that, to truly enjoy the holiday season and to make it mine again, I had to carve out some of my own guidelines and traditions to make sure I stay present and grounded. Here are 3 things that have helped me.
Make it yours and introduce your own traditions.
What are the things YOU love about the holidays?? Maybe it’s getting crafty and making your own gifts. Maybe it’s cooking. Maybe it’s going on a tour around your neighborhood to see the lights. Maybe it’s a daily hygee routine. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to stray from the usual trends and set your own either. There’s liberation in flexibility and there’s a deeper, grounding connection in making the season your own.
Take some you time.
First, it’s ok to turn down an invitation if you know you won’t be fully present. It’s also ok to take some time out for you. We cannot be fully present unless we are taking care of ourselves, so take 30 minutes every day to carve out some time for you. Whether that’s doing a yoga video and working on your nervous system, or just checking out and watching a movie. Whatever it is, know that taking you time isn’t a selfish act and it ultimately benefits everyone.
Put away the technology.
Social media is absolutely a connector. But it can also be an unnecessary distraction from in person connections too. For me, it can be a bit overwhelming and I’ve found great solace in being fully in the moment with my family. If your people can feel you switching off, they will too, so set an intention to put away the tech for an afternoon, maybe a day and just hone in on making those connections in person with the people that matter.
What is your holiday intention? What are the things you are going to put in place to ensure you stay grounded this Christmas? Tell me below!
