Motivation Monday: How To Thrive During the Christmas Season

There is a magic in Christmas. Hearts are opened to a new measure of kindness. Love speaks with increased power. Tensions are eased…

Gordon B. Hinckley

Happy Motivation Monday!

For today's post, we are sharing some thoughts on how to thrive during the Christmas Season; whether you are traveling or staying home, these thoughts will encourage you and keep you grounded no matter where you are.

1. Schedule adequate "down time" to recharge in between gatherings, etc. For those of you traveling, this may require a little bit more planning ahead, but it is doable. For example, if you're traveling for the Christmas weekend, arrange your schedule to allow enough time to fit in a few short naps, walks, and/or quiet time to feel calm and centered so that you can enjoy all of the festivities the weekend brings.

2. Balance your expectations of yourself, of others, and of whatever environment you find yourself in. In other words, try to promote good values like unity, love, and peace when the occasion calls for it and resolve to meet any disappointments with as much grace as possible.

3. Focus on what you can control and let go of the rest. Should you find yourself in a situation where you're feeling negatively affected by others' moods or behavior, choose to see it as an opportunity to strengthen your character and emotional intelligence by acknowledging how you feel, recognizing what you can control, such as how you will respond or interpret a situation. This is not to say that you must be positive no matter what; however, after acknowledging your feelings, it may help to take a step back before responding.

4. Set an intention to have a peaceful, positive, and uplifting Christmas weekend by asking yourself how you'd like to feel once the Christmas weekend ends. For example, do you want to look back and see that you did your best to find joy as much as possible, that you were kind and sincere to those around you, and that you made those around you make sure they know that you love and support them?

5. Enjoy and benefit from the five senses of the Christmas season, such as: the meaning of Christmas; seeing and spending time with loved ones; admiring twinkling Christmas lights, softly fallen snow, Christmas presents, and festive decor; dressing up for Christmas dinner in Christmas tartan plaid attire, glitter, emerald green, and candy apple red; enjoying the iconic scents of the Christmas season, such as pine, orange, clove, cinnamon, candy canes, gingerbread, cookies, and apple scents of the season; enjoying the sounds of the season, such as the Nutcracker Suite and the endless list of fabulous Christmas classics; and tasting all of the yummy and festive food, such as Christmas charcuterie, roast beef, turkey, sparkling cherry punch, stuffing, gravy, fresh bread, etc.!

6. Last but not least, do one simple but thoughtful random act of kindness before the weekend ends, such letting someone go in front of you in line, listening to someone vent about their problems or frustrations, delivering a festive bouquet of flowers to someone, or offering to wrap gifts for others.

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*This blog post should not be construed as legal advice on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general information purposes only.