While it may be hard to believe, we’re well into the holiday season. Unfortunately, you may feel like you lost the entire year due to the pandemic in 2020. This puts added pressure on enjoying this holiday season and making the most of the time you get to spend with your loved ones.
With distractions like family drama, cell phones, and more, it can be difficult to actually be present this year. This article will serve as a guide to help you minimize distractions and maximize your joy this holiday season.
Appreciate the Opportunity to Spend Time With Family
While COVID kept us apart last year, it also took many lives close to us. While gravely unfortunate, this also reminds us of the value of the time we do get with our family and the importance of making it count every year — you never know which holiday could be the last one you get to spend with a family member.
Make sure to take the time to be grateful for your ability to celebrate this year, even if it still looks a little different from years past. Ahead of the holidays, take some time to think or journal about what you’re most excited about. After your celebrations, document what you enjoyed the most and other memorable moments you want to look back on later.
Set an Intention for Your Celebrations
Consider setting an intention for your holiday celebrations. Think through what’s most important to you and what you want to get out of the festivities. This could include spending time with family, being more present, connecting with family members you don’t typically get to, or making an active effort to help out.
If you start to get frustrated by family drama or things not going exactly as planned, take a step back and reconsider your intention. Remind yourself what’s important to you and stay focused on finding that joy during your festivities.
To create your intention for the holiday season, consider:
- What am I most grateful for right now as you spend time with loved ones?
- What am I most looking forward to about the holiday season?
- What mindset do I want to embody this season?
- How do I aspire to engage with my loved ones?
- How do I want this year to be different from years’ past?
- What kind of relationship do I want to foster with my loved ones?
- What are my boundaries with loved ones?
Put Your Phone Away
It’s easy to get distracted by social media or texts when your phone is in your hand. Consider leaving your phone in your bag or coat instead of carrying it around with you. Alternatively, turn on Do Not Disturb so you’re not bombarded by notifications.
You can also:
- Put your phone on silent so you don’t hear any incoming notifications
- Delete social media apps so you’re less tempted to scroll
- Warn your friends that you’re having an “unplugged” holiday so they know to expect not to hear from you (and can help hold you accountable)
Explore Other Ways to Stay Engaged
Being present isn’t just about taking part in every conversation happening. Instead, you can also help with cooking, setting the table, or cleaning up. Especially if there’s something particular you enjoy, make an effort to engage in those activities. Ask your family members to talk you through their recipes — you might be surprised by what you learn!
Additionally, you can come prepared with a few games to play when you’re not eating. Opting for activities that are more engaging than sitting around chatting can make it easier to stay present, create more opportunities to connect, and help you avoid drama-inducing conversation topics.
Enjoy Your Holiday Season
This is a special time of year that can be challenging for many. After spending last year social distancing, there’s even more pressure to get this year just right. Give yourself an advantage this holiday season by approaching family gatherings prepared.
Enter the holiday season with an intention for your festivities. Be sure to also remove distractions that can pull you away from those around you. If you’ve struggled with it in the past, be sure to explore How to Set Healthy Boundaries with Family During the Holidays.
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