We are in the middle of the holiday rush. From Thanksgiving to Christmas and all of the holidays in-between. What you want to make of your holidays is a personal decisions. Choose joy. Families are now getting together for the first time in a long time. In the height of the pandemic families wasn’t congregating as much as they were used to. Now that vaccines and precautions have increased-it’s time to make it clear how much holiday time is too much.
Holiday Break
There will be several family members who will not understand that you may need a break. One thing is clear in that the Pandemic hasn’t allowed those who seek peace to do so. When family gets together there are a lot of things from the past that goes unsaid. Some of those unsaid events causes issues or triggers. If you know that you are not strong enough to be in their presence take a break. Do whatever your peace allows. They won’t understand it. It’s okay to allow them to say and to think what they desire. However it’s not okay in the name of family to allow your peace to be disturbed. It’s okay to set boundaries.
Choose Joy during the Holidays
No matter what decision you make always choose joy. It may be the annoyance of being alone another year but the joy knowing that you aren’t triggered by unresolved issues. Don’t forget that we all are in various points of our mental journeys. It’s okay to be okay and choose yourself. Some of those questions like why you aren’t married or if you will have children. These sensitive topics are sometimes expected in our culture but invasive and hurtful. Often times our family members especially older ones may not understand the trauma of not having your life figured out all the time. Marriage and children or who you are or aren’t dating are decisions that belong to us. Choose the joy of either not going or limiting the amount of time you are around others.
Holiday Fun
You can either change the traditions you are used to or make new ones. Maybe host a few friends who don’t have someone to be around to your home. Make a themed dinner that doesn’t fully align with the traditional holiday meal. Decide to meet someone new and maybe arrange to chat on the phone for an hour. Or you can use the down time to rest. The options are limitless. It’s a difficult time of the year, maybe aligning with a sister from BBG would be helpful as well. We are all here to support one another.
Not Able to Travel
Not everyone is able to travel this year. You may not feel comfortable to do so just yet. Also the prices for traveling has gone up. In addition to the fact that traveling with cancelled flights and gas prices may make you want to reconsider this year’s travel plan altogether. If you’re not able to travel to see others consider some Facetime. There are a million and one apps to help outside of Zoom. Make it fun and festive to connect with the ones you love. Play games, laugh, and connect as much as you can.
Friends are Family
Remember that family are the ones you don’t get to choose. Friends are the ones your heart loves and made a home for in your heart and world. Think about gathering friends to enjoy the holidays. Friends are the spice of life. Find the sisterhood in at least one friend. Water that relationship. Send a special gift or card telling them why you cherish them. Love on your friends. Tell them you love them. Make sure you meet the relationship with the same energy given.
Holidays are a sense of joy as well as solitude. I pray that this year that what you need you are able to have. If a break from drama and family is calling your name-take the call to take the break. If you need to limit your time-do so. Make a plan for when you will arrive and don’t stay to appease anyone.
Sound off in the comments ways to support yourself during the holidays as many have expressed needing help this holiday season!
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