Pressing “Reset” for the Holidays
That time of year is upon us. The Christmas trees and splashes of jubilee fill the shopping centers, while pumpkins intermingle with an impending sugar plum fairy takeover. Holiday cheer is rushed in with the ever-familiar cacophony of chaos. The calendar explodes with school parties, work parties, and family gatherings. Checklists, gift lists, food lists, and to-dos galore! Where has the peace gone from November through January? How do we slow down and enjoy the holiday season with those who matter most? Could it be time to press “reset” for the holidays?
Reset with gratitude. The “G” vitamin is one of the best ways to rewire the brain and to increase positive body biochemistry. Holiday months can be stressful, but practicing gratitude helps decrease the body’s stress hormone, cortisol, and increases the “feel good” neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin. Anxiety wanes as gratitude is put into practice. Keep a gratitude journal, listing people, things, and moments you are thankful for. Express thankfulness and admiration to those around you. Be mindful of ways to show appreciation. Self-focus can be draining, but focusing on others and their blessings brings joy.
Reset priorities. Why do we celebrate the holidays? Think about your “why.” Arrange them in order of importance, from most to least. Is your holiday directed by faith, family, friends, connection, or traditions? If so, foster interactions and activities with your top priorities in mind. If traditions no longer align with your priorities, create new ones. Give your time and energy to your biggest “whys.” If events, places, and people drain your energy and joy, consider avoiding them or limiting the time you spend with them. Assessing priorities is about gaining quality and deeper, meaningful connections.
Reset expectations. Unarguably, holidays come with a set of expectations. The gifts, food, parties, and events are all pushing to be bigger, better, and more amazing than [fill in the blank] last year. What if there were no expectations? What if the holidays were a blank piece of paper this year, an open script for you to rewrite your experience with no pressure, no expectations, just time for memories? What if you gave without expecting a gift in return, not hoping to receive one thing, but to be a blessing and be present in the moment? Tell a loved one that they are the gift. People just long to know that they are valued. Write a letter, and don’t wait to say what you want to say. Write a song, hold a hand, hug, and forgive. Reset to what is truly important, and let go of the temporal. Expect nothing, and be ready to receive the true gift of giving.
Do you need a fresh perspective before the festive season begins? Reset with gratitude, assess priorities, and adjust expectations. Doing so will revolutionize your mentality, relationships, and memories this holiday.