On Being More Mindful During the Holidays

Let's Be Less Busy and More Present in the Moment During the Holidays

Tomorrow I will be taking my family to three separate holiday events. I felt guilty, but I did decline one invitation. In reality I should have declined at least one more. But how could I when all of them are lovely events that tie us to our friends? Three separate events still seems a bit much especially to my 4-year-old. It is definitely a really fun time of year, but at times I wonder whether all of this merriment is just too much to handle.

I crave for a more simple and less busy life. I always longingly think of how things actually slow down at Christmas time in Finland. Christmas is celebrated already on the 24th of December and almost everyone gets a week or two off work. Here in the States we work and shop until we drop on the 24th and the shops are open on the 25th as well. Christmas parties go on until right before the 25th. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th and most people have the 26th off, but then it's over and done with before it even started. 

But as usual, I am going to rebel. I am going to slow down. After this weekend it is my time to be with my family, create memories and enjoy the simple things in life! It takes serious will power to slow down, but I think that we all need it more than ever at this time. I kicked off this blog with mindfulness in mind and here are some Terhific suggestions on how you can slow down as well.

1. Turn off all electronics, especially your online presence and your cell phone. I know that it is hard not to check your friends status updates on Facebook and Twitter, but you can do it. You can live without knowing what your friends just ate for dinner for a few days.

2. Pay attention to your kids. Sit down. Listen and have fun. Let the kids be in charge for a change!

3. A little humor goes a long way. Laugh and be silly. The kids love it when the parents drop their authority and join in on the fun.

4. Create a peaceful environment that fosters togetherness. Candles and quiet music do the trick for me. The space does not need to be perfect. In actual fact, the less perfect it is, the homier it looks. Check out my ripped couch here... (And no, I am not going to replace it until the kids are a little bit older.) Let's be real, not perfect, and let's not be embarrassed if our houses are not in tip top order when friends come over. What do you think friends? 

5. Try really hard to not to get something done and to not to accomplish anything and just be. You can do it! The kids know how to pull you into the moment if you let them!

Those of you who know me, know that I am a busy bee at all times. Something is cooking up in this household all the time. One promise to myself for next year is that I join my better half in the every day fun with the kids. The dishes and laundry can wait. Right?