So beautifully said, Maria. It really does take so much awareness and intention to reign in the holidays and celebrate them according to what feels right. The outside noises are LOUD!
I love this, Mary. Christmas has become complicated for me as I've gotten older, I admit. There is so much wrapped up in this season, especially for mothers, I think. I wrestle with it year after year, and have learned that yes, it really is okay to let some things go if they do not serve you, even if it feels like everyone else is doing it or it's one of those boxes you've always checked (I've skipped a card several times, BTW). I find myself craving a smaller and smaller Christmas, and after reading this, I do think that inclination includes shame at excessive consumerism. I don't like the hollow feeling that creeps up when I realize what a performance it can turn into. It's not Christmas itself, but a matter of tuning out a lot of noise, understanding how we want to feel, and what needs to happen to get there.
My response is so delayed but also maybe perfectly timed because your words, Maria, are really hitting me now in a new light given the spiraling of many factors in our current economy— from tariffs to the S&P500. It’s only April but I think that holidays will look and feel a little different for everyone this year.
I don't know that I "like" any of this, but you know what that heart means. It's all so heavy, isn't it? It requires a mindful effort to manage my headspace right now. You're right; we're already making different decisions in our household, so who knows where we'll be later this year. Brighter days ahead. Let's hope! xo
This was a wonderful read, and I thank you for your brave, frank vulnerability followed by your words of wisdom. I had a learning moment this Christmas, and it was that my shopping is a result of the shame I felt as a child - of not feeling worthy of receiving gifts. Interesting how these lessons appear later in our lives sometimes.
So beautifully said, Maria. It really does take so much awareness and intention to reign in the holidays and celebrate them according to what feels right. The outside noises are LOUD!
I love this, Mary. Christmas has become complicated for me as I've gotten older, I admit. There is so much wrapped up in this season, especially for mothers, I think. I wrestle with it year after year, and have learned that yes, it really is okay to let some things go if they do not serve you, even if it feels like everyone else is doing it or it's one of those boxes you've always checked (I've skipped a card several times, BTW). I find myself craving a smaller and smaller Christmas, and after reading this, I do think that inclination includes shame at excessive consumerism. I don't like the hollow feeling that creeps up when I realize what a performance it can turn into. It's not Christmas itself, but a matter of tuning out a lot of noise, understanding how we want to feel, and what needs to happen to get there.
My response is so delayed but also maybe perfectly timed because your words, Maria, are really hitting me now in a new light given the spiraling of many factors in our current economy— from tariffs to the S&P500. It’s only April but I think that holidays will look and feel a little different for everyone this year.
I don't know that I "like" any of this, but you know what that heart means. It's all so heavy, isn't it? It requires a mindful effort to manage my headspace right now. You're right; we're already making different decisions in our household, so who knows where we'll be later this year. Brighter days ahead. Let's hope! xo
Let’s hope! If not in the immediate future, then hopefully brighter days lie (lay?) the not-too-distant one.
This was a wonderful read, and I thank you for your brave, frank vulnerability followed by your words of wisdom. I had a learning moment this Christmas, and it was that my shopping is a result of the shame I felt as a child - of not feeling worthy of receiving gifts. Interesting how these lessons appear later in our lives sometimes.
Thank you for your kind compliment, Sheila! I do agree, it’s so interesting how our past shows up in our present, and no doubt our future as well.