For the weekend…
from Douglas E. Welch
Issue 2: December 10, 2021
Enjoying Your Holiday Season
The holidays aren’t always the easiest times for folks, especially after the last, almost 2, years, so while you are preparing to make everyone else’s holiday bright, make sure to take some time for yourself amongst all the hustle and bustle.
Take a break
First, think about what would make you happiest each day — and do it. Need to sit quietly or with some holiday music while you sip tea and watch the Christmas tree lights? Do it. Even if only for a few minutes before you head off to bed. Want to read a book? Download the latest mystery — perhaps even with some wicked spicy moments — and enjoy a chapter. Finally, if the family is truly your thing, spend as much time with them as possible. Do all those family traditions you love — and skip those you don’t. Do them out of love, not obligation. The holidays should never be about obligation.
Chill out
Look into apps like Headspace, Calm, or even Spotify for some relaxing meditations to center yourself in the holiday. 10, 5, even 2 minutes, engaged in mediation can help you face all the other activities of your day. Those among us who are more introverted can use it as a recharge to face the next dinner, party, or caroling session.
Enjoy The Holiday Food — In moderation, of course
There are so many wonderful foods that only appear around the holidays and you should enjoy them. For me, this means having 1 of my favorite cookies instead of 1 of EVERY cookie. It can be hard to moderate, but I find that seriously paying attention to the experience of eating one of your favorite foods helps to limit overeating while still enjoying the season. Enjoying the experience in this way now will also help limit the dreaded regrets that so many of us have on January 1st.
What is your favorite holiday food? Seek it out. Seek out the best version of it. Then enjoy.
Help is out there
Finally, if the holidays are making life too unbearable and threatening your ability to cope, seek out help. For myself, I regularly go through many up and down cycles over the course of the holidays. I think it is the fact that all emotions are heightened at this time of year as we encounter old friends and experiences and miss those that are no longer there to celebrate them with us. The end of a year is always a time of looking back over our lives and the view is not always as beautiful as we may wish.
Reach out to friends, family, and public services if you are struggling this season.
Here are some mental health resources from LA County.
Wishing you the best, brightest, calmest, warmest, loving, quiet, holiday possible!