Oh, friends, welcome to December. Perhaps a favorite month for many of us and for so many different reasons.
There’s something overwhelmingly calming and beautiful with the season to me. Perhaps it’s the lights or the trees or the fire in the fireplaces and the foods that we only have once a year that take us to a place that is comforting and calm.
Many of you are reading this saying, “CALM?!” My season is anything but calm—but as the Christmas carol says…there is a sense that “all is calm, and all is bright” if we allow it.
So—how do you navigate your life to reflect that? How do you keep calm in balance? Plan to be purposeful in doing so, my friend.
Let me help with a few suggestions:
-Simplify life by setting aside time for quiet in the evening or in the mornings when YOU can navigate a few moments with a favorite beverage to be calm and still.
-Plan for drives through neighborhoods and see the lights with Christmas music softly or loudly -your choice- in the background.
-Give yourself time to visit with friends in a calm environment that allows you to hear and have a wonderful conversation.
-Plan a schedule that works for you! Give yourself time to celebrate with friends and family while allowing yourself time to enjoy the season in a way that’s best for you.
-Reflect on the things that are most important to you during the season to make sure that those get prioritized on your calendar.
-Finish your shopping early.
-Plan menus and purchase as many food items needed as possible– well in advance– so that stress isn’t allowed when an item needed is not in stock.
-Look for ways to be a blessing to others and feel the joy in giving that makes the season bright for both of you.
-If budgets wreak havoc on the “calm and bright,” think about celebrating with simple things. Perhaps a heartfelt letter, gifts that you own to “pass on” to family members, heart gifts that speak volumes from the heart, and less on the checkbook work for me.
-Use natural decorations that you have readily available…for me, that means using dried hydrangea, gathered pinecones, and magnolia that provide natural beauty at huge savings.
-Plan for healthier habits added into your routine, such as more sleep and exercise that help your body battle fatigue and stress that’s often encountered during the holidays.
-LOOK for joy all around you! That’s the most fun thing for me, friends. From the twinkling lights and ways to make the season more “bright” and joyful, seek those things to surround yourself.
-If this Christmas and holiday season is a “first” without a loved one…I’m with you. I’m making plans to celebrate her life rather than mourn it. Make a favorite food or play a favorite song or even create a gift she would love to bring joy to get you through it all. Perhaps a donation to support something that was loved is the perfect solution to bring solace and joy.
Breathe in all the beauty that is around you this month, friends. Find opportunities to share life with feet under your table, laughter abounding, and hearts filled with joy, calm, and brightness this month.
It passes quickly, and you won’t want to miss any of it.
