What If It Doesn’t Always Feel Like “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?"

I went to my neighborhood Target this past weekend and wow, was it packed. From the parking lot to the check-out line, there were people everywhere. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry. Well, almost everyone. There was one person who appeared to be standing around outside, perhaps looking for some spare change. They were the only one who seemed to move slowly enough to share a season’s greeting. 

It’s the holiday season. There are lights on houses and decorations galore; there are thousands of people shopping online and in stores. There are office holiday parties and school winter music concerts to attend. There is so much going on with seemingly no end. 

It is always, without fail, a busy time of year and with that, comes stress. The stress of keeping up with all of the day-to-day responsibilities. The stress of showing-up to a variety of activities. The stress of paying for gifts and trips. The stress of being stuck in traffic while traveling with kids.  

Contrary to what we see on TV or hear on the radio, this time of year is not always the most wonderful – and that is perfectly okay. *I hope I don’t come across as a total Grinch.* It can be helpful to slow down and take time to greet each day with a smile, or a sigh or a big belly breath. It can be essential to take time, however little it may be, to acknowledge all that is flurrying around us (yes – including the snow). It is important to name what we are feeling. It is important to take time to process all that our senses are absorbing.  

With all that may be asked of us, with all that may be given of us, with all that may be happening, it is important to stop and check-in with ourselves and pay attention to the signs of the season. Because as wonderful as gathering with family and friends may be, it can take a toll on our mind, our body and our soul. Especially when someone is missing this year. Especially when feeling holiday blues instead of holiday cheer.  

It may not always be the most wonderful time of the year, and that is okay.  Sometimes it is helpful enough to know that others are feeling the exact same way. 

For some additional tips for managing stress this holiday season, Click Here.