It’s that time of the year again! I’m sure you’re sick of hearing it, but can you believe it’s almost Christmas?
We’ve been through a lot, collectively and individually, this past year and it’s made things weird. It doesn’t quite feel as magical and fun as it should, don’t you think? Things are still up in the air in the UK in terms of what is going to happen in the near future, but I don’t want to dwell too much on that today because I know we’re all tired, anxious and just fed up of it.
Instead, I wanted to take some time today to talk about rest. It’s something I’ve talked about a few times on this blog, and it’s certainly one of my favourite things to do, but Christmas is the perfect time for this conversation to happen again I’d say.
Even though I love rest and I spend a lot of time doing what looks like resting (ie. sitting down), when it gets to the end of the year I realise that I’m actually not very good at properly switching off. And I notice because this is the time of year when it all comes to a head and I wonder why I feel so irritable and tired, even during my favourite season.
Christmas is supposed to be a fun time and time off for us all. No matter what kind of work you do, nine times out of ten things will be slowing down by now and you will have at least a couple of days off to be with the family; to eat lovely food, and to stay cosy. But we all know that Christmas can also be one of the most stressful times of the year – not only because there is so much to do, money to be spent and work to be finished but also because there is this pressure to make it a great time on top of it all.
Yet, life doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas – which I know I’ve said before, and no doubt will say every year on this blog because it’s true.
Sure, Christmas is a magical time and one that is best spent with loved ones, but there is still the rest of life to be dealing with as well. And that feels even more prominent in 2021, where the future remains uncertain while at the same time also looking a lot like what we’ve already experienced, sadly.
You can make yourself ill trying to balance your life and everyday tasks, as well as the added stresses of the season and all the while trying to look like you’re having a great time. Trust me, I’ve been there and I’m sure you have too which is why I wanted to write this post today.
You lovely readers of this blog are similar to me in many ways, which is why we get on. We like to plan, we like to be organised, and we like to get things right which means Christmas is probably just one stress after another for us lot because there is so much to do! And I’m tired of it.
Honestly, I can’t be bothered with the hassle and the upset that I experience during this time, which 99% of the time is something I bring on myself.
So I’m not doing it this year, and I don’t want you too.
I know this post is coming a little late, because it is likely that you’ve already been stressed about Christmas but you can put a stop to that now. We’ll do it together!
Under Pressure? No More!
At the end of the day, Christmas is just another season of the year and while it is my favourite, even I can admit that really it’s just another few weeks passing by.
I’m not saying that to be depressing or to make you feel bad about getting worked up over it, but more to comfort you. Because, no matter what happens, Christmas will come and go like it always doe. What makes it special is the way we handle it in the moment, and we can’t take advantage of the moment when we’re worried about a whole range of things!
There is nothing worse than ruining your favourite time of the year by feeling stressed the entire time and then burnt out by the end of it.
It’s a cycle I’ve been in for a few years and I’m not doing it anymore, nor should you. Especially not with everything else going on! It’s the last thing you need so let’s put a stop to it now.
Join me in taking this time to truly have a break.
To watch movies; eat amazing food; drink hot chocolate and wine; play games; read books; cuddle with loved ones all without feeling guilty for it.
As soon as you can, get out of work mode. I’m writing this post tonight because I have made today my last ‘life admin’ and work day, and that includes even the fun things I enjoy doing like writing this blog and social media so I can be fully present this Christmas.
I just want to be able to fully enjoy my festive season – to be present and in the moment as much as possible and I’m making it possible. The first step is to decide that’s what you’re going to do then giving yourself permission to do it.
You’re allowed to take a break. I don’t care what you’ve got going on; you’re allowed even one day off.
So this festive season, do something just for you. Don’t do what you feel like you should be doing (another mood killer!), what everyone else is doing (ditto) or what other people want. Just think about you, even if it’s just the once.
We want to be refreshed and rested so we can enter the new year in the best state possible, and that isn’t going to happen if we get burnt out over Christmas. So do me a favour and be nice to yourself, okay?
Take a break, you’re allowed.
Message To Readers
Before I go and fully embrace the festive season, I want to thank you for being so lovely and supportive this year. I’ve seen some great numbers on this blog recently and I can’t even begin to explain how happy it makes me to see that my ramblings resonate with other people.
For every read, like and comment I am so grateful. I’m happy to be writing things that other people like to see and I hope to continue doing that as much as possible. Thank you for being patient with me and allowing me to be honest. You’re pretty great.
Have a wonderful festive season, friends and look after yourself.
Speak soon,
Rachael.
Rachaelic 