Did you realize this year there are only three weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas? And Hanukkah begins on Wednesday, November 27, and ends the evening of Thursday, December 5!
Realizing the timing of this season caused a wave of “panic” to rush over me, but then I popped out of fear (ego) and back into love.
Sure, there are presents to purchase and to-do’s to complete, but I changed the question that I was asking myself to:
Do I need to replay that old tape again this year? Do I really need to call in the frenetic energy wave? Nope!
I then asked myself internally…how about connecting to the spirit of this time in a new way?
One of the definitions of a present is to “hand over” and that is one of the to-do’s I look forward to. I love giving gifts at this time of year and seeing the joy that the gift creates. Watching the recipient open the gift is the greatest gift of all!
The other meaning of present is “to submit,” which also could mean letting go. How do we let go of the “holiday crunch” feeling? The gotta get it all done feeling? Hmm… could it be the same energy wave of the pressure of procreation? I would like to suggest experimenting with the practice of being present for others.
Be fully engaged within the experience and make the “choice” to stay connected to the love or compassion part of your soul.
For me, I have found that within the practice comes the perfection of learning a lesson and I have a mantra: “It all will get done; it always does.” I let go of my ideal of perfectionism.
Being a single, full-time working mom, things have shifted and reshaped for me. I don’t allow my undies to get into a bunch anymore! It’s a choice.
If there are shoes by the door, beds unmade (still working through this one) and the house has a lived-in feel, I shift my focus to all of the things that went smoothly and remind myself “I am at peace.”
Ask yourself what are you willing to let go of that no longer serves you. The spirit will give you an answer! I promise.
In the meantime, check out your homework for the holiday season with an exercise to let go of what no longer serves you. And talking about undies in a bunch, check out my new favorite skivvies from Victoria’s Secret! Perhaps you can add them to your present wish list!
Wishing you all a blessed, peaceful & joyous holiday season! God Bless!
Kristen
(Originally Published November 25, 2013)