December is full of tradition, various holidays, parties, and overall busyness! Each family tends to have their routine of holiday habits that create the memories many of us hold dear or the memories we are working to develop for our circle of people. Think about those traditions now, and take a moment to ponder what emotions each brings up for you. Is the emotional aspect a focus? Let’s slow down and take time to get the most emotional meaning from each tradition and moment. Here are some simple holiday moments and traditions to make the most of the positive emotions available this holiday season.
Pick a volunteer activity to do as a family or group.
This activity can cultivate feelings of gratitude, service, and respect as you work with your team to do something for others. Look into local volunteer opportunities that may differ from what you usually do. We are looking for activities where you will work with others, not just donating items. A time donation can be the most precious commodity in today’s society. Remember to look into animal shelters, too!
Plan slow evenings together to talk or play board games, technology free is key!
Look ahead to your family’s schedule and pick one or two days this month when you can sit down with them and focus just on time together for at least an hour each time. While technology can be a great tool, it can also be highly distracting! During this time, ensure all electronic devices are set aside so the focus is wholly on each other.
Take quiet moments to yourself to spend in gratitude.
In a busy schedule, it is vital to create a balance so that you can focus on finding the things that help you notice the positive things happening to you. Whether in the morning, at night, or even mid-day, prioritize making this time happen for you.
Pick one holiday outside of your culture to learn about.
December has over a dozen specific holidays that occur within it, yet most people only know of one or two. Take time each year to learn about one holiday that is not yours and explore the history, purpose, and celebrations! Be mindful of respecting the culture, but learning can be a great way to expand your mind and appreciation for others.
Look through this list and choose at least one thing you can implement this year to add mindfulness and intentionality to your holiday plans. If you are ready to get settled with finishing 2024 up in a positive way, reach out to us today to set up a consultation to get you started on your counseling journey!