A Different Kind of Holiday is Possible

Can you feel it?

No, I’m not talking about the unusual pre-Thanksgiving snow today, though it is really beautiful.

I had to step into a Michael’s store a couple days ago and I could feel it. We’re still a week away from Thanksgiving, yet it was clearly evident.

What is this?

The stacks and stacks of holiday stuff piled amply high on shelves was clue enough. But what really gave it away was the energy. Anyone could feel it if they simply tuned in. It was the feeling of frenzy, of deadline looming, of too much to do and not enough time to do it all.

Already?? Really??

So I grabbed what I needed, checked out with the clerk, offering her well wishes through this season and left with a feeling that I want no part of this and dreamy thoughts of embarking on a faraway island vacation to escape it all.

I’ve been working on simplifying the holidays for a number of years and have come a long way from my roots where Christmas had to be perfectly orchestrated in the same way year after year.

So why do I still cringe at seeing the first Christmas commercial or hearing the first carols in the stores too close to Halloween? Why does it feel like such work to claim and create the kind of holiday season that my soul needs and craves, that would hence better serve my family.

Making this time of year even more challenging are the calls from our own inner rhythms, so closely tied to nature and the seasonal cycles, to slow down, replenish, and go inward to reflect.

The truth is if any of us wish to go against the grain and not be a victim to the expectations and mores of culture, it does take work to do something differently, to follow the road less traveled.

There are certainly less roadmaps for following our soul’s whispers and our natural cycles than how to make the perfect holiday.

This “work” for me involves making sure I stick to my daily spiritual and self-care practices. It means I seek out the best members of my support team including my soul sisters to help me stay on track. It means I’m also more gentle and compassionate towards myself more than ever! I also most especially set intentions for how I wish to show up to the season. And you can bet I’ll be staying away from the big box stores!

How do you “do” the holidays?

Do you dread them?

Does the thought of family gatherings send you in a tailspin?

Do you need support and a new plan for a different kind of season, one that serves your whole being?

Then this is a great time to schedule your complimentary life coaching session with me by video conference or in-person if you’re local. I am scheduling for early December so give me call or send me an e-mail. I’d be happy to support you in being with the holidays in a whole new way.

We don’t have to get swept up in the cultural madness! There is another way…one where you can instead appreciate more of the sacredness and connection with others during the holidays without the depletion and stress so many feel this time of year.

Karen works as a professional life coach, Reiki master/teacher, & sacred circle facilitator. She also teaches workshops and leads retreats. Her spiritually-based life coaching helps women awaken to the power within so they can live authentically & confidently. She has been leading sacred circles for several years & her Women Healing Women is her signature offering. Contact her at karen@OpenHeartMaryland or 301–646–4385 for more info.