It’s December.
No matter what you celebrate (or don’t), you might have been feeling some stress on Black Friday as we were urged to purchase as much and as fast as possible, and pressure today as we’ve gotten a barrage of emails and ads reminding us to buy, buy, buy on Cyber Monday. “Last chance!” My Amazon cart is full of gifts for the 15 grandkids, and trying to take advantage of “deals”. I don’t know if anyone is totally immune. Tick, tick, tick, Cyber Monday is almost over – what happens if I don’t buy it all today?!
At this time of year there’s a (self-inflicted, I admit) sense of urgency to complete projects before the beginning of 2025, and to make the most of every second.
Keeping perspective, it was wayyy harder when all 6 kids were at home and the holiday season included all of their projects, homework, events, sports, concerts. I kept lists of “must do’s”, and ideas about things I felt compelled to do. If I did something clever or creative for the holidays one year, I felt the stupid need to replicate that the following year, and one-up it.
In those past Decembers there were 3 uniquely decorated Christmas trees, live wreaths on every window, miles of garland wrapped on every railing and doorway, baked goods in the freezer, craft projects, huge parties, and by the January 1st, a case of burnout, alongside a feeling that I hadn’t done enough.
Well, let’s put an end to that shit right now.
The one thing I want for you and for me is to be able to simplify – to identify what matters, do it, and fully enjoy it. Be open to learning new things, but not pile more on top – let some things go.
Let’s “make space” (I keep reading that phrase and I like it – do you?), for each of us in ways that are meaningful but not necessarily life-changing . If it’s personally satisfying to stay occupied and purposeful, then yes, of course. I’m that way so I get it. I’ll mostly be focusing on maintaining family and social connections, and good health, with a sprinkling of creativity as lovely and effective ways to stay alive.
One last thing: please don’t let articles or online influencers make you feel less than.
There is no urgency in the next month to lose weight, “tone”, “sculpt” your body (that’s total BS anyway), improve/change your diet, hair, skin, or your lifestyle before the end of the year. The various industries need to sell stuff, and they succeed by making promises, while instilling low self-esteem. It’s insidious, but it works. Let’s not be prey to it.
Don’t get me started on New Year resolutions.
xo
Polli
2 Responses
Polli
Well written as always. I shared a link to your post with some friends in a Whole30 group who were talking about this very subject. Keep up the great work!
Ed, I’m so happy that you like what I write. I always hope it’s relatable. Thanks so much for reading!