A Permission Slip For Myself this Holiday Season
Dear “Me”,
I know you love the holidays- the Christmas tree filling your living room with its warm glow and all of the ornaments documenting the kids’ lives over the years…the smell of holiday cookies, the buzz in the air, the festive gatherings, the traditions…yes, it’s a very wonderful time of the year, and it’s also a bit bananas.
Can we try something different this year? What would it be like to really enjoy the season? To move more mindfully through the month of December and not get so caught in the hustle and bustle?
Let’s give it a shot. Here is your permission slip to approach this coming month in a different manner. (You, of course, know that you certainly don’t need permission from anyone, but we all know the reminders won’t hurt...) Tweak as you see fit. Keep in mind- progress over perfection. Here we go:
I give you full permission to create the holiday experience that is most meaningful for your family, not what is expected culturally or modeled by other families.
I grant you full permission to leave room for spontaneous memory-making experiences to emerge, not just the carefully planned and curated ones… that’s usually where the most fun and joy are anyways.
You have permission to not put pressure on yourself to make memories at all. They will occur naturally, I promise.
You are given permission to let go of perfectionism, people-pleasing tendencies, and the “holiday hustle”.
I give you full permission to not assume responsibility for others’ emotions this holiday season. You are only truly in charge of your own emotional regulation, full stop.
You are granted permission to eliminate tasks/activities, to ask for help, and to delegate as you see fit.
You have unequivocal permission to simplify as much as possible and to set boundaries to protect your peace and well-being.
Finally, I give you full-hearted permission to experience the holidays not as an over-scheduled, middle-aged adult trying to create holiday magic for her family, but as a child yourself, with all the awe and wonder that comes along with it.