Embrace the Holidays

Prepare for a Bright New Year

By Marlene Wagner

 

Ah, December. It’s a month of twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the air.

For many of us, especially women, the holiday season is a mix of joy, nostalgia, and, let’s face it, a touch of chaos.

Between family commitments, holiday preparations, and finding time for yourself, it can feel like you’re juggling a million things.

But what if we approached this season a little differently?

Instead of simply surviving December, what if we savored it, used it to reflect on the past year, and set the stage for an incredible new one?

Grab a warm drink and settle in as I share my guide to gracefully navigating the holiday season, letting go of what no longer serves you, and stepping boldly into the new year.

 

Navigating the Busy Holiday Season with Grace  

The holidays can feel like a whirlwind, can’t they? There are gifts to buy, meals to plan, and decorations to put up (and take down!)

It’s easy to get swept up in the busyness and forget to enjoy the season.

Here’s the secret: you don’t have to do it all.

Self-Care is Key

Amid the hustle, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Schedule moments to breathe literally.

A few deep breaths can work wonders when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Carve out time for something that brings you peace, whether a walk in nature, a good book, or a long bath with candles.

Simplify to Savor

Focus on what truly matters to you. Maybe this is the year to skip the elaborate centerpiece and opt for a simple bouquet of fresh flowers.  

Or instead of baking five types of cookies, stick to the one family favorite everyone loves.

Most importantly, permit yourself to say “no” to anything that feels more like an obligation than a joy.

 

Letting Go of the Past Year 

Reflecting on the highs and lows is natural as the year winds down.

It’s also a chance to let go of anything that feels heavy, whether grief, regret, or the clutter accumulated in your home (and your mind).

Reflect and Release

Set aside some quiet time to think about your year. What were the moments that made you smile?

What challenges taught you something valuable? Write it all down in a journal if it helps.

Then, mentally release anything you don’t want to carry into the new year.

Forgiveness as a Gift

This one’s big. Forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning hurtful behavior but freeing yourself from carrying the burden.

And don’t forget to extend that same forgiveness to yourself; you deserve it. 

Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind

There’s something cathartic about cleaning out a closet or donating items you no longer use.

 

It’s like making physical space for the new opportunities that are waiting.

It’s a good time to sort through the holiday decorations you no longer use and set aside to donate.

 

Preparing for a Vibrant New Year 

The start of a new year always feels like a fresh notebook waiting for you to fill its pages. Let’s make those pages beautiful.

Dream Big, Start Small

Think about what you’d love to accomplish or experience in the coming year. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try yoga or learn a new language.

Break it down into small, manageable steps. Significant changes happen one day at a time.

Create a Vision Board

There is something magical about putting your dreams on paper or a vision board.

Grab some old magazines, scissors, and glue, and create a collage that inspires you. Place it somewhere you’ll see it often.

Cultivate Joy Daily

The new year doesn’t have to mean sweeping changes.

Sometimes, the small things, such as a morning cup of tea, a handwritten note to a friend, or a moment of quiet gratitude, bring the most joy.

 

Closing Thoughts

December is a month of contrasts, bustling holidays, and quiet reflections, endings, and beginnings.

It’s a chance to celebrate where you’ve been, let go of what’s behind you, and embrace the possibilities ahead.

So, this season, let yourself pause. Enjoy the little things. Take stock of what matters most.

And when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, step into the new year with an open heart and a sense of excitement for what’s to come.

Here’s to a holiday season filled with joy, peace, a dash of sparkle, and a new year full of promise.

Happy Holidays!

Be true to your magnificent self,
Coach Marlene

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Until next time, starting today, make yourself a priority and begin living your best life.