Your Holiday

Found this article on Positve News.

It’s like two worlds exist during the holidays: the one portrayed by the media and the “other” one. The one portrayed by the media is picture perfect: every family is happy, healthy and singing carols and sipping eggnog by their perfectly decorated Christmas tree.

The “other” holiday is one more common to many of us. It’s the unspoken holiday - the one you’re not supposed to have, according to the barrage of commercials and adverts. If you’re family is far from perfect or you’re worried about your finances or you’ve endured some hardship this year or you’ve experienced loss or you simply don’t like the holidays - then you understand.

It’s hard to enjoy the holidays when the pressure is on. No one wants to be forced to enjoy themselves. No one likes to compare themselves to holiday perfection! But is there a way to eke out a holiday that is yours - one that includes the good, the bad and the ugly?

Here are a few pointers:
1. Ask yourself what you’d really like to do for the holidays - minus the influence of others. And include that in your day. If you have a day plan that is packed with your family, maybe you’d like to go for a quiet walk in the morning before the madness ensues. Maybe you’d like to write in your journal and review your year. Whatever it is, take whatever time you can grab and make some time about you! 

2. If you’re alone, celebrate it. This is a tough one but guess what? There are many people out there who don’t have family over the holidays. It almost seems like some social crime but it doesn’t have to be. Being alone allows you to celebrate the holiday the way you see fit. The important part? Celebrate it in one way or the other. Make yourself a special meal, buy yourself a gift, wrap it and open it, watch a special movie. It’s not a crime to be alone on the holidays. (Considering what some people go through with their families, consider it an honor!)

3. Remember the old adages about the holidays. It’s NOT all about mass gift-giving and commercial-generated fantasy. It’s about reflecting, giving and getting in touch with your spiritual side during the heart of winter. It’s about being grateful for WHAT YOU HAVE, not bemoaning what you don’t.

4. Quiet holidays are fine. If you’re holiday seems simple and quiet, that’s alright. Perhaps you are afforded the opportunity to connect with the holidays that many others can’t seem to find. Maximize that time. Make the most of the quietude.