Simple, instant ways to truly enjoy the holidays
Put down your wrapping paper, car keys, and credit cards. The reason we've all been whipped into an errand-running frenzy is here, which means it's time to stop doing and start enjoying. Here are ten instant ways to be present and appreciate this once-a-year moment.
Give
You've trolled through the mall for the perfect gifts and clicked your way across the Internet looking for something just right. Now, really watch what happens. Hand over your gifts and delight in the surprise when it's unwrapped.
Receive We spend so much of the holiday season thinking about others, but being a gracious receiver is every bit as important. Instead of thinking about getting the cinnamon buns out of the oven, hang on when your kids offer a morning hug. Don't shrug off compliments and gifts. With an open heart, accept the love, thoughtfulness, and macaroni necklaces that come your way.
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Light a Candle It takes a quiet moment of attention to strike a match and put flame to wick. Watch the fire flicker, make it a calming scent you love for bonus points, and be grateful for moments of light during the darkest season.
Take a Deep Breath. Take Five. Just because it feels good: Inhale to a count of four. Then exhale to a count of four. Repeat. It's kind of amazing how something so simple can so deeply anchor us in the moment.
Embrace the Imperfections So there's no open fire or chestnuts roasting at your house. So what? Most family holidays don't look like a Norman Rockwell painting. We fight, we burn the roast, the dog poops on the floor. That's life: it's messy and unpredictable. But it is also absolutely lovely in its unique surprises. Just think: you'll all be laughing for a long time about the year the kids fought, the roast was burned, and the dog pooped on the floor. Good or bad, it's yours; accept it as it is.
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Sing Your Favorite Carol Even if you've got a voice like a Real Housewife, let your insecurities go, turn up the music, and sing out with pure joy.
Connect Whether you're spending the holidays alone, with your immediate family, or with every single one of the aunts, uncles, and cousins, reach out. Text a friend you've been thinking about. Give a hug to someone who looks like they need it. Call someone just to say you love them.
Look at the Stars It's an ancient way to put your life into perspective and be instantly awed. Step outside alone for a solo moment of quiet or have everyone shimmy into their coats, slip on their boots, and wrap up in their scarves.
Read more:10 ways to make the season brighter
Make a Snow Angel Perhaps immediately following some supine star-gazing?
Make a Wish It's a time of magic and hope. Wish upon a star, write down your deepest desire, share your hopes with your family. When we are able to pinpoint them, sometimes our wildest dreams have a way of coming true.
Photo: Thinkstock
