The Christmas season is such a great time of year! Or at least that’s what we all say, but our own limiting beliefs can keep us back from experiencing a season filled with so much happiness, joy, and laughter.
This time of year I see numerous clients, friends and family members resemble the infamous Scrooge! All because they’re tired, overwhelmed and over-extended. They’re busy running around, trying to find the perfect present, saying yes to every invitation, wrapping, decorating, baking, cooking, basting, cleaning, bow-tying, eating, eating, eating…. So what’s the point?
Well, there’s obviously a reason why we try to kill ourselves during the holiday season…. perhaps our limiting beliefs that it has to be this difficult has taken over. But is that even true?
Now if you’re just a Scrooge and plain-old hate the holidays, the only advice I have for you: stay indoors and have no contact with others. Okay, that’s a bit harsh, but there’s no need to poo-poo on other’s happiness. For those of you that want to bring a sense of happiness to your Christmas season these three simple, yet powerful questions can help you create the season that you desire.
1. What does Christmas mean to you?
This is a question that is commonly overlooked but quite necessary to bring a peaceful season to your inner being. Many of us go into autopilot this time of year and do things for the sake of doing them, where it can become a habit year after year.
If the Christmas season is a religious holiday for you, take some time to reflect on what that means to you. Remind yourself daily of the importance of this holiday, and why you choose to celebrate it. If you have no religious beliefs around Christmas, allow yourself to gain clarity on what is important during the holiday season. Why do you want to celebrate? Sometimes we do things purely due to traditions passed down from generations before us, and if that’s the case, allow yourself to feel those traditions.
Recognizing the significance of the holiday: love, happiness, celebration, can drastically change how you go about the holiday season.
2. Why buy presents?
This might sound like a ridiculous question because we all know about the Santa guy, but it’s a good question to ponder. WHY do you want to buy a present for your child, significant other or loved ones? Again, due to the hustle and bustle of the season, we can go into autopilot. We wrack our brain thinking of what to buy others, and then we start our mission: strategically planning on how to get it, hide it and then wrap it.
What is your ‘why’ behind buying a specific present? How will you feel when you offer this gift to your loved one? Does this bring you joy? If so, awesome! This season, allow yourself to be present in purchasing your presents. When you are purchasing, hiding, and wrapping, be present and enjoy it!
Being clear on the ‘why’ of a present puts you in the vortex of happiness.
I bet you thought I was gonna’ tell you not to buy presents, didn’t you? I would never! I love giving and receiving, so I’d never take that away from anyone else.
3. What do you need?
This is the most neglected question of all time- especially during the busiest time of year. When we feel overwhelmed and over-extended, it’s generally because we’re not tending to our own needs. You don’t need to write a letter to Santa if you need a bubble bath, stillness, inner peace, a glass of wine, or a hug. Asking yourself what you need is necessary because you need to fill your cup first, and give the overflow to others. You can’t be fully present, happy and full of joy when you’re own soul is not fulfilled. Right now, ask yourself what you need. Your inner guidance will always give you an answer, but you need a bit of stillness and intention to hear it. Once the answer comes, allow your need to be met.
Don’t forget about yourself during the Christmas season! You matter!
Gaining clarity on these three questions can significantly change how you view the holiday season, and can, therefore, change how your experience it. Let go of the limiting belief that the Christmas season has to ‘look’ at a certain way. You are the only one that has control over that. Create the Christmas season that you desire and have fun with it!
Calgary, Canada Life Coach Arianne Moore, Coaching for Women, helps clients worldwide.