As we enter the Holiday season
A time for connection and community
Living in the United States, this is a time of year that is so full of opposites. A time for celebrating traditions with loved ones, and/or a time of immense stress because of traditions with families that we may not have great relationships with. A time of celebrating the harvest by English colonists with Indians in the US and Canada while ignoring the genocide of nations of native people on the land I now get to call home. If you practice organized religion, there are opposites here, too. Acknowledging religious traditions as a time of remembrance and love for all while being consumed by commercialism, Capitalism and consuming/buying throughout the season. It can all be so stressful and can pull us in so many directions.
How do we reconcile these opposites? How can we acknowledge what has happened in the past, sit with it in the present and then create and envision a different future? I struggle with this, but I’m working on it. I feel like I’m a work in progress, and I’d love to hear how you feel about these things.
For starters, I live on the unceded land of the Lumbee, Pamlico, and Tuscarora nations. I plan on honoring the land I am privileged to live on by getting outside and grounding to this place. I will also be making some Indigenous recipes to incorporate into our celebration. Practicing asana and meditation before having a gathering also helps me to be centered, present and grounded.
Throughout the holiday season, I plan on taking some time each day for myself to do some type of mini-ritual or practice to provide connection with nature and with myself. I plan on walking outside, hiking, practicing yoga and meditating to help me stay present.
Before purchasing gifts, I will pause and consider if I am buying something because I’m caught up in the moment, or because I am making a thoughtful purchase. I plan on making some gifts this year as well. I will be taking a portion of my budget for gifts and instead will be giving it to local charities to help underserved people in my community.
To help me through this Season, I’m asking myself these questions:
How can I stay connected to myself and my family throughout this season while setting boundaries to prevent overwhelm?
What traditions no longer serve us and what does a change in how we celebrate look like?
How can I create greater connection and community throughout the year? What does that look like for me?
How can I fill my cup during this time so that I am not depleted and exhausted? Where can I allow myself to rest?
Reconciling the opposing and varied emotions we may feel during this time of year can be hard work, but, in the words of Glennon Doyle, “we can do hard things.” Take time during this season and honor what feels good and right for you. Set boundaries with loved ones. Realize when some relationships or traditions need to be changed or ended and release them without guilt or shame. Recognize that just because things have been done one way doesn’t mean that’s how they always have to be. Give yourself grace and love. I hope this season is joyful and easy for you.
Take good care,
Sharon