Keep The Happy In Your Holidays: 4 Stocking Stuffers to Unwrap
by Theresa Maguire | Published on November 14, 2023
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Time for a little “Happy” in your Holidays?
It’s that time of year again when we anticipate the holidays and the promise of happiness they will bring. But, so often the reality doesn’t live up to the promise of the “Happy” in your holiday greetings.
Along with the promise of good cheer and a happy new year we may also experience dread and anxiety as we remember past disappointments and less than harmonious family gatherings.
Navigating other people’s expectations, the overbooked social calendar and financial obligations may also add stress to what we hope will be a time of joyful celebration.
So, how do you keep the “Happy” in your Holidays and not only survive the next few weeks, but enjoy them as well?
Let’s unwrap these powerful tips.
Embrace the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
First, we must start with the end in mind and set the scene for creating the holidays we want.
As you let-go of the ghosts of Christmas’ past you can write a new “holiday story” full of intended outcomes. Get clear on what having a “Happy” holiday means to you and how you wish to feel and experience the season.
Set your intentions
Before the holiday rush begins, take a minute to get clear with your intentions. What experiences, feelings, and connections do you want to attract that will keep the happy in your holidays?
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Visualize your ideal scenarios
Use visualization techniques to bring your perfect holiday to life. Imagine it! See it unfold exactly as you want it to be! Feel the emotions associated with this new story you are projecting as your holiday reality.
Believe
After you set your intentions and visualize your new “holiday story” believe in the magic of the self-fulfilling prophecy and know that the Universe will bring you exactly what you believe it will.
What holiday delights are you choosing from the menu of possibility this year?
Perhaps it’s drama free family gatherings, rested and happy children, a social calendar that includes self-care, shopping done with ease, a front row parking spot, an abundance of joyful helpers, cherished memories sipping hot cocoa in front of the roaring fire. The CHOICE is yours!
Cheers to your self-fulfilling prophecy… may it be a gift you love to receive!
Embody the present in you
The word “present” is a special gift with three distinct meanings. To be present means you are fully engaged with each present moment of time.
To give a present means you are offering a gift to another. And, to present means you are showing up in the world the way you want others to see you.
This stocking stuffer is full of power as you allow yourself to embody the true spirit of the season by being the PRESENT that you are.
Radiate kindness
Show kindness everywhere you go, whether it’s a warm smile, holding the door open for a stressed-out shopper, letting someone go before you in the check-out line, or telling a friend how much you appreciate them.
Lead with gratitude
Let go of expectation and give thanks for what you have. Implement a daily practice reflecting on what you’re grateful for. When you shift your focus to the positive aspects of the season, the Law of Attraction will be working with you to bring you even more positive moments.
Collect present moments
Let go of the obligation and pressure to create a “perfect” holiday experience and stay present in your holiday moments. Choosing mindful actions enhances your experiences and fosters deeper connection with loved ones.
Share from a generous heart
Give to others in meaningful ways that won’t strain your budget. Even the smallest act of giving aligns with the Law of Attraction, whether it’s volunteering your time, donating food or just showing kindness to another. In what ways can you give back this year to make someone else’s holidays brighter?
How can you be the Present this holiday season bringing joy and kindness to others?
When you remember to stay present in every thought and action this holiday season and present others with kindness and generosity, you become a cherished gift to the people in your life.
Cheers to the present in you… may you be a gift to everyone you hold dear!
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Engage a Magical Calendar
With all the planning, shopping, baking, decorating, wrapping and parties your holiday calendar may quickly be overwhelmed with commitments, leaving you feeling exhausted!
And, I bet that being exhausted wasn’t on your list for a perfect holiday season.
So how do you create a magical calendar? Let’s unwrap this stocking stuffer and see.
Choose aligned activities
Remember it’s your holiday season and you get to decide what works for you and your family.
Before you put anything on the calendar, be clear on your goals and expectations. Ask, does this activity support the vision I have for my holiday season?
Does the activity add value or stress to my holiday experience? Only add it to your calendar if it supports your self-fulfilling prophecy and adds value to your holidays.
Keep it simple
It doesn’t need to be elaborate to be meaningful. Think about what “happy” in your holidays means to you and how you can bring balance to the activities you engage in. Invite your kids to the conversation and include activities that are special for them.
Re-evaluate your traditions
Just because it’s been a holiday tradition for as long as you can remember, doesn’t mean it still needs to be on the list. Take a look at your traditions and let go of those that don’t align with your holiday vision.
Let go of obligation and guilt
Saying yes because you don’t want to disappoint the host leads to resentment and an overbooked calendar. If the activity doesn’t line up with your holiday priorities simply thank them for the invite and let them know you won’t be attending. Remember you don’t need to justify your choice or make an excuse for choosing not to attend.
Honor your boundaries
Remember YOU are creating your version of “happy” in your holidays. Honor this by clearly communicating your boundaries letting other know what you can and cannot commit to. Make your self-care and well-being a priority by recognizing when you need to say “no” to avoid overcommitment.
How can you include magical activities on your social calendar this year?
What can you let go of to make space for new traditions? What activities no longer support your holiday vision?
Cheers to a magical calendar – may it be a gift of ease and joy!
Experience Mindful Moments
Looking back at your intentions for a “Happy” Holiday did you wish for more hustle, bustle, conflict and struggle? Probably, not.
Overwhelm, anxiety, disagreements and frustration can dampen the holiday spirit. The good news is that you have the power to quickly shift how you’re feeling by refocusing your attention.
When you create mindful moments, you are making precious memories you will cherish for years to come instead of creating stressful moments you wish to forget.
Use these powerful stocking stuffers to help bring more peace and calm to your holiday season.
Child-like magic
One of the quickest ways to create a mindful moment is to see life through the eyes of a child. Take a time-out and call in your curiosity as a tool for clarity. What’s really important right now? What tasks will add value to the holiday celebration? Which tasks and activities no longer align with the self-fulfilling prophecy I wish to create this year?
Watch your words
Your inner narrative will influence how the holidays unfold. Pay attention to your inner dialogue. Do you catch yourself saying, nobody helps me or I have way too much to do, I’ll never get it all done? Your words are powerful, so be aware of the negative scenarios running in your head and quickly shift them to the positive scene you desire.
Take a break
Amid the holiday chaos, put your well-being at the top of the list. Whether it’s a quiet moment in nature, a warm bath, or coffee with a friend, schedule time on your calendar for activities that renew your soul.
Appreciation
When family drama intrudes on your holiday festivities, take a deep breath and remember your vision for your perfect holiday celebrations. Shift your focus away from the argument by asking “what do I appreciate about this person”?
Consider how you can see the situation from their perspective. In what ways can you support each other to resolve the conflict and both walk away happy?
What mindful moments support your self-fulfilling prophecy for your perfect holiday?
How can you schedule these into your daily routine to bring more peace and ease to your life?
Cheers to making mindful moments a priority – may they be a gift you cherish!
Unwrap the “Happy” in your Holidays
The gifts of the holiday season are found within you as you embrace the self-fulfilling prophecy, embody the present in you, engage in a magical calendar and experience mindful moments.
When you focus on what you do want and allow it to become your reality you will indeed keep the “happy” in your holidays and find the scene you imagine unfolding before your eyes.
Big Hugs,
Theresa
My dear friend I believe that when we are aligned with our soul calling we will thrive in every aspect of our human experience. I help women reconnect with their authenticity, know their truth, master a loving mindset, and make themselves a priority in their lives. Because when you let go of how you've been defined you'll uncover who you truly are.
The Mindful Manifestation Kit 4 Holiday Ease is my gift to you, so you can bring more ease and joy into your holiday season.
