Happy Christmas, however you choose to celebrate

For many, this is a joyful day.
For others, it’s tender, complicated, or even painful.

The holidays aren’t always easy and many people feel the weight of that not just today, but in the weeks leading up to it and the days that follow.
So let’s be extra sensitive to the short tempers, the quiet sadness, or the overwhelm we may see in the people around us, both those we love and the random strangers we encounter.

We truly never know what’s happening for someone at a deeper level.

And then, of course, there are the people who are very anti-Christmas and like to be Grinches about it for everyone else.
If that’s the energy you meet today, see if you can find your sense of humour about them.
Don’t take it personally.
And if you love the holidays, let yourself feel that joy right down to your soul.
Don’t let anyone take that away from you.

After all… joy is an inside job.

Wherever you find yourself today, take even one short moment to feel gratitude.
That’s what truly matters.

Be grateful if you are serving at a soup kitchen.
Be grateful if you are receiving food there.
Appreciate that you’re with your fabulous, dysfunctional family, the very souls we chose to walk through this life with at some level.
Or be happy you’re not with them! Both are valid.

Put your focus on something that matters to your heart.
And if you are grieving this year, my heart goes out to you.
Let yourself remember the beautiful things about the person you’re missing.
Love doesn’t end, it simply changes form.

If you need space today, take it.
Step outside, sit quietly for a few minutes, breathe.
Remember Christmas is a finite situation.
It’s not every day, so make the most of it in whatever way feels right for you.

And here’s a gentle reminder:
If you’re making a judgement about someone, it’s likely they’re judging you too.
So lighten up.
Allow people to be where they are in their process.
You don’t have to fix anything.

Resistance only hurts us more than anyone else.

When we contract, feel annoyed, or push against what is…
we project that energy outward.
It ripples.
It comes back to us as crunchy energy, and then we feel even worse.

So what would it be like to choose differently today?

To choose to enjoy the day?
To let passive-aggressive remarks slide off you like water?
To be in flow rather than resistance?

Maybe bring in something fun and unifying like a silly game with no purpose other than laughter and connection.
This year my daughter-in-law wrapped a gag gift in many layers of wrapping paper, and we had to try to open it wearing oven mitts.
As soon as someone rolled doubles on the dice, the parcel moved to the next person.
It was ridiculous and hilarious and much laughter was had.

And laughter is medicine.

Watch a funny film.
Wear the outrageous Christmas jumpers.
Lean into the silliness.
Tis the season to be jolly… so get jolly.

And remember, you have a choice every day, in every moment, in how you respond to your emotions.
Your emotions are yours to feel. So feel them, honour them… and then choose to respond in a way that lifts you up instead of sending you spiralling down.

Practice this a little each day, and your New Year will already begin looking brighter.

Sending you love, warmth, and a gentle Christmas glow wherever you are and however you’re feeling today.