5 Tips For Surviving Christmas
Christmas is often an emotionally charged time of year, so below are 5 tips for surviving Christmas! Everything is squeezed together in a couple of short days at the end of the year, when people are often tired, stressed, and in need of rest. Family relationships may be wonderful for some, but for others not so much. It can often bring up emotions for those family members who have passed, for those living away from family and loved ones, and for those who don’t have a family at all.
Christmas is different for everyone
Christmas is unique and different for everyone, so this is an important time to be respectful, kind, and compassionate. Taking responsibility for our own emotional state is vital! When we’re tired and stressed, it can be all too easy to project our emotions onto the people around us. This can cause an even more stressful and emotional experience for all.
Here are 5 tips for surviving Christmas:
1. Take care of yourself first!
If you are tired and burnt out, take care of yourself first! If you are depleted, you’ll have no energy left for anyone else and you risk burning the candle at both ends. Instead of people pleasing out of obligation, going out socialising, or over-extending yourself for the family, learn to say no. If you don’t, resentment, frustration and angst can build up, and when your temper is short and you’re feeling tired, that’s when emotions start to project outwards. Carve out time to rest, recover your energy, and take care of yourself first.
2. You don’t owe anyone anything
Many people feel obligated to go to Christmas and family events, even if they don’t want to. This is your friendly reminder that you don’t owe anyone anything! This is a time of giving, and when you give unconditionally, there are no obligations, expectations, or guilt and shame attached. When you give unconditionally, there are no conditions. Giving from a place of love, is giving without any expectation of receiving, without needing something in return (this is a transaction with expectations, not unconditional love). I encourage you to check in with yourself with what YOU really want to do. If you don’t want to go to an event, you can simply decline the invitation. You don’t need to explain yourself, justify, or make excuses. Remember, you are not responsible for making other people happy, you are responsible for own emotional state.
3. Focus on gratitude
Christmas really is a time to remember all the things and people you feel grateful for. Life is full of the small moments! Take some time to reflect and remember all the moments that have made you smile over the year. Perhaps have a discussion with your family about what they feel grateful for. Gratitude is an energy that activates the heart centre. It has the power to raise vibration, put things into perspective, and shift your awareness and attention into a more positive state.
4. Say a prayer for those in need
There are many people out there suffering in war torn countries, out on the streets, sick in hospitals, or are simply alone at Christmas. Take a moment to say a little prayer or send some love to those in need. This simple action is free, but so powerful! This energy can ripple out, and has the power to effect positive change everywhere.
5. Stay centred in your own energy
When you are grounded and solid in your energy, you won’t let other people’s energy affect you so much! I’ve found that reminding myself to stay in a love vibration even when other people might be coming from a different place, is so powerful. I can come from a place of love and acceptance, regardless of what other people say or do. The secret to doing this is, simply let other people be who they are! You might not agree with everyone, and that’s ok. Let people be, and contain your own energy. It’s not your job to fix, solve, or change anyone else. The more you let your energy go out into worry, stress, anxiety, strained family dynamics, frustrations, etc, the more you deplete your own energy. Just for today, let go of worry and anger, and instead be kind, be grateful, and be honest with yourself.
Listen to your intuition
Christmas looks different for everyone, listen to your intuition and your body, and do what feels right for you. If that means getting together with your family, and enjoying a Christmas meal, that’s wonderful! If surviving Christmas means taking time out for yourself and reading a book on the beach, great! It might mean volunteering at a homeless shelter, going overseas, or simply staying home and watching TV. There is no right or wrong way to ‘do’ Christmas, just whatever feels good for you.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, and a happy new year! Sending everyone so much love and blessings, and may you have a restful break over the new year.
