Creating New Christmas Traditions
How are you feeling as we approach Christmas? There’s no doubt about it, the festive season can be difficult for many of us.
It could be that you’re heading into the holidays having experienced a bereavement, separation or a period of ill health. Perhaps your childen have left home or family members can’t join you this year like they used to.
So Many Expectations
Celebrating Christmas can often come with a mix of emotions and expectations. Do you yearn for the magical Christmas you had as a child or is it more of a different feeling altogether?
We all have our own expectations of what the festive season should look like (watch out for those shoulds!) and our family members will have their own ideas too. Plus we have societal expectations to deal with, it can be easy to get caught up in the frantic rush to buy the perfect gift and to serve that ‘Instagram-worthy’ Christmas dinner.
Grieving at Christmas
Christmas can be especially tough when you’re grieving and missing a loved one. It’s like the season highlights their absence even more. It’s important to feel and express your emotions, allowing yourself time to grieve. Setting realistic expectations for yourself can help to take the pressure off a little and if you can, accept support and comfort from others during this time.
A Time for New Traditions?
If you are having to think a little differently this year, perhaps you could consider creating some brand new traditions and make some new memories along the way?
Here are a few ideas:
Have you thought about getting pre-loved presents or giving something homemade?
Try a different venue - could you visit somewhere you love?
Change the menu - it really doesn’t have to be turkey!
Say ‘no’ to invitations you really don’t want to attend
Take some time just for you to rest and relax
Say ‘yes’ to whatever feels right
In the spirit of new traditions, I’m making a curry for our Christmas dinner this year and we’re all really looking forward to it!
However you choose to spend Christmas, I wish you a happy and peaceful time.
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