Self Care During The Holidays

My decorating for Christmas is in full swing.My holiday lists have been made.and I realize I'm once again feeling off at Christmas.With my mom gone this yearI realize there is  still a lot I have to process.
While there are motions to processI still am wanting to soak in all the Joy the Season Has To Bring.
I also know for a fact 
Good Self Careand Intention can make such a difference in the Holiday Season
I am sharing heresome of my tried and truehelpful tips.

Let Go Of Expectations Of Perfection
This one I have definitely been working on for years.

Now I know to do my bestand then let it go.As much as I like things to look goodI now know to focus on the moments.For me these daysit is also important to let go of expectations of others.We all come to the holidaysstepping out of where we are in our souls this year.None of us are perfect.and all of us are doing the best we can at the timewith what we have  and knowat this time.Bringing Grace to the holidays

 goes far for everyoneourselves included.

Let Go Of Comparisonit is always the thief of joyRight off you might think I mean comparing your holidays to other peopleswhich is destructive enough for obvious reasons.
But there is another Holiday comparisonthat can be equally joy stealing.Comparing this holiday right nowto ones gone by.
I have found as hard as it is sometimesin life and
especially during the holidaysit is so important  to focus on the good that is here right now.
Not to hold  this year up for comparison and judgementsof years gone by.
We only truly have todayright nowthis year.
Respect Yourself


I think self respect is always importantbut like many of these ideaseven more so during the holidays.

We need to respect how much we can give.Whether it be time or money.Over giving leads to resentment.Know your boundaries.That line that crosses from joyful,  loving givinginto the abysm of resentful duty.I know during the long Thanksgiving weekendI remembered that I  personally needed alone downtime to rest and recharge.Respecting that about my personal selfmeant I could come back refreshed with more to giveand really enjoy the company of my family.Trying to do too muchis an easy way to loose Holiday joy.

Make A List Of Holiday Objectives

For me I demonstrate my love   by havingguest rooms for my children that are cozy and well appointed.For meI show love by beautifying spaces.Whether it be a beautiful room, space or table.
These objectivesmight seem obvious enoughbut for me to have the conversation with myselfmeant I could keep my focus on what was important.Andnot to go off the rails getting annoyed with the less important aspects.
I also keep tight present buying lists.It's all too easy to be out shoppingandbe swept away in the momentthinking that perfect gift can buy someone happiness.It doesn't.
Remember self respect of time and money.


Take Care Of Yourself Inside and Out
I know it's a busy time of yearbut taking the time to make good nutritiona prioritymeans you will have more energy for the holidays.
I'm not saying to get crazy about what you eatjust remember to get some good stuff in!
I also make sure to keep my work outs on track.

Holiday Wardrobe
I'm not talking about fancy fashion here.I'm talking about taking the time before the festivities beginto line up outfitsthat you will feel your best in.Outfits that make your heart happy to wear.
Being in charge of family holidaysmeans you want to feel your bestin order to bring your best.For me clothes help.
Just like packing for a tripI like to think through the events of the weekendand plan outfits that I know I feel comfortable inand enjoy wearing.
In my younger yearsI missed this simple conceptonly to find self scrambling beforeevery event to pull something together to wear.Trust methis was not emotionally prettyfor meor the ripple effect that ensued.
Plan what you want to wearahead of the need.

Cherish The Small Moments

To me this is what Self Care During The Holidaysis all about.
Self Care which leaves you whole and groundedso you can be truly present in the small moments that are really can be the big spectacularjoyful momentswe really are searching for during the holidays.
One  of my favorite moments from this last Thanksgiving was  just that.

I could  do this because I realized the need for Self Care During the Holidays.
And I'm old enough now to know sometimeslife is savored in the quiet moments when you least expect it.
Taking good care of ourselvesmeanswe can love on others so much betterand be present when sacred heart moments do occur.
My wish for you this holiday seasonis good self careso you can show up with grace in your heartand an ability tocherish the sacred momentsthat can be mixed in all of the hustle and bustle of the season.

As always my friends

I wish you love and joy

as you style your life