It’s that time of year when the world falls in love. No matter where you’re from, your career choice, or what you believe in…The holiday season is a time to reconnect with yourself and with your loved ones. Surrounding ourselves with love and happiness inspires us to hold those close to our hearts. In those times, we can find peace.
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I am not sure where this year went. It has flown by! Every year, I am a “Bring on the HOLIDAYS!” type of girl. This year is different. I am finding that I need to mentally prepare for it. I had to really think about why I found myself in such a funk. Was it the consumerism of it or the busyness of what the season has become? I really needed to self-reflect. I came to the conclusion that it was the busyness of it all. I felt no sense of peace–
I wanted peace to be returned to me…Mentally, my body and mind demanded it. So, this week, my PEACE is being restored. I wanted to share how I am falling in love with this holiday season and finding peace again.
Light Candles
I love candles! The fragrance that emanates from them is simply divine. It provides a cozy atmosphere. Light candles during the day or evening. As you light the candle for the first time, share with your family that in this season, you are going to focus on peace. Share with them your thoughts and why you want peace in your life.
Light your candle every day. Every time the flicker of the candle catches your eye, think of something you are grateful for and say, “Thank you.” You’ll begin to shift your thoughts and notice that you are welcoming a change. A sense of gratitude is a simple start to inviting peace to your day.
(Please note: If you cannot tolerate candles due to allergies, flameless candles work too!)
Screen-Free Time
From watching the news to social media, we consume so much information that distracts us. Remove the distraction. Put the phone down. Yes, you can do it! Enjoy time without having a little or big screen.
For genuine conversations, talk with your family during dinner without the electronics on the table. Share with one another what is going on in your life, focus on the family. Reconnect with your child-like spirit. Remember the peace you wanted as a child and create those moments with your family. Take time with family to make those precious moments so your children will be able to share their stories with their own one day.
Set Limits
Find yourself immersed in fun family things. Baking, story-telling, karaoke, crafting, and board games are some examples. Take off the pressure of entertaining those who don’t live in your home. If that’s your thing, fine. Every year I see hostesses who are stressed about hosting family parties. Remind yourself of the bigger picture and what you want the season to be about this year. If you are not interested in hosting events, simply vocalize it. I promise the world won’t fall apart just because you set boundaries.
Monitor Your Reactions
Actively observe the words you use every day. What we say and do has an effect on our lives. Be quick to listen and slow to respond. The holidays can bring out the best and the worst of people. Take the time to hear and listen to what others have to say and formulate a response based on it. It can make a world-of-a-difference if we empathize with one another instead of verbally fighting.
You can have peace during the holiday season. Take pleasure in making your home a relaxing, peaceful space.
Photography Credit :: Allison Turpen Photography
