The holidays are a time where emotions are running high and anxieties come swinging into your mind faster than your Great Aunt Judith running for the last piece of figgy pudding (does anyone even eat that)? We spend so much time worrying about hosting the perfect party, exchanging trendy gifts, and making sure everyone is happy and well fed, that we forget to enjoy ourselves in the process. This year I made a goal to stop and put the holidays on pause.
Every year, my family hosts our annual Christmas party. Instead of running around and making sure everyone was pleased with the decor of our house, impressed with the updated couches we purchased and appreciating the new plum wallpaper in the living room, I decided to take in every moment of what really makes Christmas wonderful. By hijacking my five senses, I saw my families priceless expressions when surprised with gifts, I felt my cousin’s smooth hair as he excitedly opened a coloring book, and smelled my mom’s frosted bunt cake cooking in the oven.
We can all agree that the holidays are a sensory overload. If we try our best to stop and reflect on what we want to get out of the holidays each year, our genuine excitement for the holidays can somehow be rekindled. We spend so much time living above our shoulders, letting our minds wander and strip power away from the present moment.
This year I took thirty seconds to look around and silently observe. I saw all that I have to be thankful for: my grandparents health, my brother being home from college, my sister laughing, my boyfriend hugging me and expressing his love. 30….29….28….27….26…. Counting down in my mind and breathing. Taking in every moment. This is life. Right now. 2018, December 25. Enjoy it.
