This time of year as with any other time, can often send us spinning around and feeling like there is so much to do and too little time to do it. That's because we are aware that holidays are set in stone. The very date makes avoiding a deadline impossible. After all, who ever heard of moving Christmas? Well that may be true-you can't change Christmas but we can release ourselves from any sense of obligation that doesn't resonate with us. For instance, if there are some traditions that don't make you feel joyous, then simply give yourself permission to not participate or alter them. Now, don't start labeling me as a grinch! I'm merely suggesting that if you find yourself out of sync with following certain patterns for celebrating then don't let anyone (including yourself) make you feel that it's not Christmas if you don't perform a task that doesn't bring you joy. For instance, when I was growing up my mother prepared lots of different fish dishes that she fried on Christmas Eve. She also believed we should fast during the day. Well as you can imagine, I overindulged due to extreme hunger and usually got pretty sick that night. What kind of tradition is that? Not to mention that when I first started hosting Christmas Day in my own home, I had lots to prepare for my guests. Some guests were coming ahead and sleeping over. Though I didn't mind this, I still however needed every spare moment for preparing my home, getting a feast together, and making sure presents were wrapped and hidden from my kids. Then someone posed the question, "What are you doing for Christmas Eve?" They were not inviting me, they were asking what I planned to do for my mother in terms of celebrating. I hadn't thought of it and couldn't even imagine finding any extra time to dedicate. I really felt overwhelmed and imposed on at that point. Then it occurred to me, I needn't feel the necessity to do anything. I was already extending myself on Christmas Day and had no immediate plans for applying for sainthood. That was around 15 or more years ago and to this day I don't feel the pressure nor do I feel I've let anyone down for not making any special fuss. If someone else wants to pick up the slack then let them.
Relatives still look forward to celebrating at my home. I still look forward to having them come. I still need Christmas Eve to get ready!! I don't miss the fish, either.
Relatives still look forward to celebrating at my home. I still look forward to having them come. I still need Christmas Eve to get ready!! I don't miss the fish, either.