Are we staying true to what matters most in life?
As we move through another holiday season, taking time to choose how we want to feel can be a powerful practice to prevent any unnecessary stress and to invite more ease into our lives.
So how do we want to feel these holidays?
Do we want to feel rushed and overbooked?
Like we’ve just got to race everywhere, depleting our savings and energy, and often complaining that life is just so busy.
Or perhaps do we want something different?
Something a little more meaningful?
If you’re anything like me, then you definitely crave holidays that feel richer, more connected, and way more ease~full.
What if we could release this cultural notion that we should buy gifts for every friend and family member we know and instead we decide to focus on giving the gift of kindness, of presence, of tenderness, and of love?
What if our presence really is the most precious present we can give?
I’m not saying that buying gifts is bad. I am just offering a different possibility for how to relate to this notoriously consumer driven time of year.
If we get really honest, we can probably agree that what matters most is not something we can wrap up in a box.
A quote I read years ago comes to mind: “The most precious things in life aren’t things.”
Love. Kindness. Connection. Support. Laughter. Hugs. Joy.
These are the stuff of beautiful memories.
What if we decide to celebrate the holiday season with more ease, more quiet, more stillness, more care, more presence, and more gratitude?
What if instead of racing from place to place trying to keep up with all the deals and the consumer culture, we give our energy to the people we love?
What if we let go of the shoulds and only say yes to what really lights us up?
Imagine how we could transform the holidays if we all decide to choose gratitude, to honor this season by practicing peace and appreciating the value of the gifts that money can’t buy.
If we’re ready to refresh our holiday experience, then these five soulful strategies will help transform this season into a peaceful, loving, truly joy~full time.
1. Adventure in the World: Experience the Joy of Exploring Together
Instead of buying tons of toys, clothes, and things for everyone in our families, we can invest our money and energy into creating an adventure together…these memories are truly priceless and will last a lifetime. Is there a place or experience our families have been hoping for? Adventuring together is a fun way to cultivate more connection and joy with the people who mean the most to us.
2. Make a Date: Our Time IS Valuable
Sharing time with someone can be the most valuable gift we can give. Rather than searching the sales for something to give, we can decide that our time and love IS valuable and plan a special outing with someone we love. My favorites have been tickets to a concert, a show, dinner at a favorite restaurant, an afternoon at a spa, or a picnic in the park together. It’s the shared experience and the connectivity that makes these gifts so meaningful.
3. Give From The Heart: Make Something Meaningful
Often, the most meaningful gift is one we make ourselves. How wonderful would it feel to receive a gift handmade especially for you? Contemplate how your own unique talents and your own two hands could make something incredibly special {and useful!} for the people you love the most. Things I love to make are simple: heartfelt letters, custom essential oil blends or homemade nourishing treats like organic trail mix, almond butter, veggie juice, and oat balls. If we allow ourselves to enjoy this sweet indulgence of creating and giving…we will feel the joy abound as we hand make gifts that will inspire appreciation and reflect our love.
4. Practice Giving Together: Volunteer
Some of my favorite holiday memories are from spending time with my mom and family friends serving dinner at a local homeless shelter. My heart was so full of gratitude and joy…far more than I could have possibly experienced from opening loads of gifts. How can we invest our time and energy to make memories with loved ones by giving to others? So many possibilities…
5. Choose A Favorite Charity: Donate Together
My family and I decided many years ago that we all have pretty much everything we could need…so, instead of participating in a family gift exchange, we started contributing the money we’d spend on gifts to a charitable organization. Each year, a different person in the family has the opportunity to choose to whom we will give our donation. When we all pitch in, it’s a pretty sizable gift…and it feels so inspiring to do something good together!
I invite us all to try out a fresh approach to the holidays this year.
May we make the choice to attend to what matters most.
May we set the intention to consume less stuff and make more space for love.
Here’s to a joy~full, wonder~full, ease~full holiday season!
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