Being MINDful Through the Holidays
Shanya Luther, M.Div. - Intimacy Specialist
The Holidays can be a time of great joy and celebration. But for some families this time of year brings on a high level of anxiety and tension. Strained family relations, the chaos of shopping and seasonal parties, the pressure to find just the right gift... And with many families' economic status being so difficult it is easy to see how stressful and difficult this holiday season could be.
As the season of giving approaches us, it is important to be MINDful of your important relationships. Make sure you're having fun with holiday preparations; be sure to share your appreciation for the things your family and friends do for you — both big and small; take time to thank those you love for their presence in your life over the past year. The holidays are a magnificent opportunity to make beautiful memories together with the people who mean the most to you.
Have you thought ahead for the Holidays? Ask yourself the following questions:
- Have you and your spouse/partner set some financial limits around your spending to avoid unnecessary arguments and resentments?
- Have you created healthy boundaries around how much time you'll spend with those demanding relatives, pushy friends, and clingy co-workers?
- Have you marked out times/days on the calendar to do things just for yourself and for connecting with your spouse/partner?
- Have you had conversations with your kids about managing their expectations for the gifts they'll be receiving?
- Have you considered how much more valuable spending time together and creating memories are than any material object you could purchase?
