How do you mindfully and purposefully create holiday magic this time of year? This year it is more critical than it has ever been for us to stop, give thanks for where we are, where we’ve been, and where we want to go.
I realize you may have thoughts that so many things have been canceled this year since the pandemic. Or had to be dramatically revamped to safely carry on while taking the current temperature literally and figuratively of real and imagined threats into consideration.
I’d like to suggest that instead of making lists of things to buy, or sugary foods to make, consider compiling a list of experiences to explore together.
With that said, I invite you to ponder these suggestions as we wrap up 2020 and launch into 2021:
Keep it Simple
Make whatever you celebrate the season festive on an intimate level and concentrate on enjoying the occasion without a lot of elaborate prep work to do. For example, while holiday classic movie watching is entertaining, why not add a twist and make a movie of your own? What about documenting your holiday traditions? All it takes is a steady hand and select your phone’s camera movie icon. Perhaps try creating celluloid memories of some outdoor activity: walking in the park, building a snowman, ice-skating, or the neighborhood decked out in festive finery.
Get Crafty
Whether or not arts & crafts are not your particular cup of tea, this is an ideal time to explore your creativity without the pressure of producing a museum-worthy work of art.
You could try…
Making a gingerbread house. Kits with all the necessary pieces from gingerbread walls and roof, candy bits to fashion windows and doors, down to the frosting to pull it all together. (You can find the kits just about everywhere this time of year: grocery stores, craft stores, even general merchandise big-box stores.) Or you could challenge your skills to make one from scratch and make it a holiday event by enlisting the entire family to join you.
Experimenting with holiday decorating:
* Cookies/cakes - use them as decorations as well as special gifts made with love.
* Ornaments – unique treasures not available on Amazon and guaranteed one-of-a-kind items infused with your inspiration and creativity.
* Greeting cards – no need to worry about flowing and flowery verses here. Just write from your heart. Whether you make the cards with construction paper or trace holiday designs, the words enclosed speak volumes to the recipients.
Embody Holiday Spirit
Instead of spending your money and hours at the mall, spend your time volunteering in the community?
Wrap/shop for holiday gifts for charitable and church organizations
Work at your local food bank to help collect, organize, distribute groceries to those in need
Cook/serve meals or shop for neighbors
Offer your expertise as a mentor at your place of worship or a homeless shelter
Do home repair or even gardening for Seniors
Organize a sing-along on Zoom of holiday favorites
Bonus idea: Your Legacy and Personal Holiday Journal
Consider recording your holiday memories of this year and years past in a particular journal that you share as a priceless keepsake filled with the magic and wonder. Ask for old photos and be sure to also get the backstory rich in detail such that you feel you are inside the picture. Tales of you have experienced over the years and inspiration for generations to come.
Does it sound like I’m suggesting you write a book? That’s exactly what I’m doing. But not just any book. Here’s your chance to preserve your history. You have the opportunity to be the catalyst of a whole new cherished tradition and a deeper connection with your loved ones. Are you up for the challenge?
As you gather together at this time of year, it’s my hope that you can capture those feelings of joy for yourself and your loved ones.
What new memories and new traditions will you establish?
How will you add to your story and to those around you?
It’s your story to tell, and you are the only one who unleashes the story of how you live your life on purpose and shine!
Unleash Your Holiday Spirit
RHG Magazine TM - November 2020 © All rights reserved.