Friday, November 22, 2013

a holiday challenge

The holidays are here. Any moment now, the gate will rise and we’re off and running. Planning, cleaning,  shopping, cooking, wrapping, inviting, attending, primping, decorating, trimming the tree, creating the tablescape, traveling, readying the guest room, taking in the holiday releases at the theatre, catching the annual holiday TV specials, attending the special holiday events, office parties and neighborhood parties, making your list(s) and checking it twice, more shopping, more cooking and even more.

Too many of us run this holiday marathon and by the time we reach the new year we’re exhausted, we’ve spent more money than we should have or maybe even more than we actually had, we’ve depleted our personal resources and worst of all, too many times, we’re kind of disappointed. How did this happen? Well, too many people get so busy that they miss the moments that lead up to the holiday. We were so busy working to get to the finish line that we missed out – we forgot to enjoy all the other days that got us to the big event.  Yes, memories are made on the “day of”, but your life is made up of all the moments of each and every day.  So pay attention to EACH day. Pay attention to the small moments. Make sure to carve out some time, at least 1 hour each day, to rest, to concentrate on some activity (not holiday prep!) that allows you to recharge, and to reconnect with your loved ones. Focus a little less on doing and really concentrate on being.
  

6 comments:

S. Etole said...

This is such an attractive door and wreath. And your thoughts are good ones to remember for the upcoming days.

Tracy Altieri said...

I do love this time of year, and am learning to slow down and enjoy each moment.

Mari said...

Hi Bev! Those are some really good thoughts as we enter into this season!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

That is a challenge, Bev, but a very worthwhile one. I am seriously trying little by little. Is that your welcoming red door?. So pretty..Happy Sunday..Judy

Hannah said...

I love this sentiment. I know it all and yet still find myself caught up in it eventually. Must try harder to just be this time around.

C-ingspots said...

Oh thank you so much for this reminder! I've felt overwhelmed many times during the Christmas season, and then let down when it finally arrives. I'm trying to focus on the little, special things that make memories, spend much less and not get caught up in the frenzy that has become the norm. I'm trying very hard to become a classic Christmas under-achiever and simply enjoy. :)
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