The holiday time is here! You’re probably done (or almost done) with the shopping and wrapping, food planning and preparation, and house cleaning for your guests. Now that the big things are out of the way, take a moment to relax and truly enjoy the season. By being present in the moment, you’ll not only create more memories for yourself, but you’ll enhance the memories of those you love.
Practice mindfulness this season. Being mindful is simply de-cluttering your brain and focusing on the person, project, or scene at hand. Multitasking has been glorified for decades, but is it really that great? Not when it distracts you and causes you to miss out on the feelings and experiences you should enjoy. Before you start a new task, clear your mind and think only about what you’re doing until it’s done. Whether that’s eating a meal (savor each bite and appreciate the person who made it) or playing a game with your child (put down the cell phone and behold the little person you are shaping), being in the moment just feels good!
Give up on the idea of “perfect.” There’s no perfect gift, perfect meal, or perfect holiday. Take the stress away by lowering your personal standards, because, at the end of the day, the only idea of perfect you’re trying to achieve is your own. Let yourself off the hook and laugh at the misshapen snowman cookie, let your toddler tie the gift bow, and pick up dinner from Whole Foods.
Let the little things slide. It’s OK to stay in your pajamas all day. Leave the dinner dishes in the sink until morning. Go for a walk instead of vacuuming the scraps of gift wrap off the living room floor. Many people have time off from work this week, so really take that time to recharge yourself so you can start the new year (and new decade!) with a fresh mind and rested soul. Your family and future self will thank you!
