“Every moment of your life is infinitely creative
and the Universe is endlessly bountiful.
Just put forth a clear enough request
and everything your heart desires
must come to you.”
~Shakti Gawain~
The holiday season often begins with excited anticipation and high hopes for family fun and memorable moments. However, it can quickly turn into a mess of unreasonable expectations, unhealthy family dynamics, budget-busting shopping and stressful traveling that leave us resentful and exhausted.
What if this season could be different? It can be by setting your holiday intention.
First, ask yourself and your family what you want to feel this year. More joy, peace, gratitude? Then, design a holiday season that promotes that. This most likely will mean releasing some old traditions that no longer serve you–like exchanging presents with every family member–and adopting new traditions–like attending a local holiday concert or play. If you want to feel more grateful, find a worthy charity and volunteer. If you want more peace, schedule time for reflection and relaxation–a day at the spa, perhaps?–before your calendar fills up with other obligations. Saying no to some things allows you to say yes to what matters.
When Connor and Allyson, now 20, were small, my husband and I began a tradition that they would each receive three main Christmas presents in honor of the three wise men. It was a very wise practice that managed their expectations and prevented us from overindulging them.
You will likely get resistance from some people at first but your desire to consciously choose how you celebrate the holidays will certainly inspire others to do the same.
What is your holiday intention?