© 2022 Rachel L. Shumate | All rights reserved.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…! Right??? I have to admit… While everyone else is jovially belting out “Oh Holy Night!” I’m over here mumbling “oh… holy crap…”
Don’t get me wrong. I love Christmas and the Advent Season; I just wish I had more time to actually enjoy it. For me, this is usually the most stressful time of the year. I’m currently trying to perform miracles like cramming a month’s worth of work into a week, do all the festive activities, attend twice as many events and family gatherings, as well as take on the responsibilities of Santa and his elves. (Just to name a few.) Probably the only thing keeping me from having a merry little meltdown is the anxiety medication coursing through my veins. (Yeah, okay; that was totally melodramatic and really just meant to make you laugh, but certainly it is helping, ha.)
If you’re in the same sleigh (or boat, or whatever), and were already doing ALL THE THINGS, and added ALL the holiday things, and then took on the role of magic-maker to boot, I’m betting you’re probably feeling stretched rather thin as well. I feel ya! But, even as my eye twitches, I refuse to be all Grinchy about it. (Frantic and frazzled at times maybe, but not grumpy.) All I can do is try my best. I’m only human after all, and unfortunately don’t have a swarm of elves at my disposal. And the same goes for you too. (Unless you have elves; in which case, I’d love to borrow some.) My best advice is to be kind to yourself and remember to be grateful.
Yep, even in the thick of it all, I am truly grateful. Because even though being the magic-maker can be a struggle sometimes, I know that one day I will be devastated when my daughter no longer believes in Santa, or our fantastic little Kindness Elves, and all the wonder that comes with this season. (Honestly, I pray every year that I don’t screw it up, becoming the reason she doesn’t believe…) I’m also unbelievably thankful for my family and friends and the extra time we get to spend together making new memories. Yes; deep down I really am excited – even as I check my (to-do) list twice.
I know that being positive and practicing gratitude doesn’t necessarily take away all the stress of this season, but it certainly does help put things in perspective. I’ve also found that it’s important to slow down, use the words “no thanks” more often, and treat myself to some TLC. Even as my list of things to do gets longer and longer (for real, can I get a personal assistant for Christmas?), I am trying extra hard to pump the breaks and incorporate some self-care into my days. You can’t fill from an empty cup, as they say, and this mama needs some rest, holiday fun, and maybe even a treat or two. Because, dang it, I’m determined to enjoy the season along with everyone else, chaotic as it may be.
So, if you’re pulling your hair out because seriously… alllll the things… and you’re running low on sleep, coffee, and Christmas spirit, I say… go out and treat yo’ self! Take a break. Skip an event. Get a pedicure. Schedule a massage. Buy yourself a gift “from Santa.” (Who’s jolly well going to dispute that?) Also, I’ve just made up a new holiday that you should totally participate in. I’m declaring the 26th of December a Self-Care Celebration. We can spend the entire day trying to recuperate while the kids are busy playing with all their new toys (surely, they won’t be bored with them already, right…?).
Cheers! And God speed…
PS: I’d also like to mention that this is the worst time of the year for many people, and not because of stress or over scheduled merry-making. The holidays have a way of making grief more potent, depression darker, loneliness greater, and a lack of basic needs more unbearable. So, please remember to spread kindness as much as you can…
🙂
