The holiday season is one of my favorite times of year! However, as much as I love the holiday season, now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it is difficult not to feel a little frazzled as well. I tend to overexert myself while trying to create unforgettable experiences for my loved ones and this of course can cause one to cross over the line between joyful holiday celebrations and obligatory activities. It is not easy to find a balance, but it is important to separate a sense of obligation from our desired experiences for this festive (though hectic) time of year.
With holiday parties, caroling, community events, gift wrapping, shopping, toy drives, family gatherings, special worship services and the like, it is hard not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season! After all, everything individually is enjoyable. However, when you heap it all together in one month, the joy fades away and you are left with stress.
So, should we boycott the holidays this year? Absolutely not! Instead, embrace the season. Spend time with family and friends and focus on a handful of experiences that bring joy to your holiday season. And when a commitment arises that feels more like an obligation than a celebration of the season, kindly decline. The holidays should be a time for you to focus on what matters most to you.
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