Dear Holidays, I'm Not Breaking up with you, but I am Giving Myself Permission to Chill the F* Out and Have More Fun Instead

Photo credit: Alena Ozerova via Canva

Dear Holidays -
 
I love you holidays. I love your magic, your kindness, community, humanity, and all the peace, love, and joy you represent.
 
But, over the years, we humans have lost our way, turning you into a materialistic, consumeristic event. There’s so much pressure between the gifts, food, and decorations. All to give all the appearance of the idyllic perfect holidays. All of this on top of my already demanding job and my regular responsibilities, and sometimes, it’s just too much. 
 
I know it’s not your fault. I realized I got all caught up in the illusions of perfection. So rather than break up with you holidays, I’ve decided I’m giving myself permission and give myself the gift of peace instead…

• I’m giving myself permission to not send cards out unless it brings me joy.

• I’m giving myself permission to pare down my gift list to shop less to bring myself more peace.

• I’m giving myself permission to not have to be so creative every year. And send everyone an annual fruit basket or nut tray.

• I’m giving others permission to remove me from their list and send me the same gifts and give them the gift of peace too.

• I’m giving myself permission to let things go and not worry if they don’t get done.

This holiday, I’m not taking things so seriously. It’s not the end of the world if a gift arrives late, my house doesn’t look Instagram perfect, and my hors’d’oeuvres aren’t Pinterest worthy. What’s important is that my friends and family are happy and healthy and that we’re together having fun. They would rather have a happy, less perfect me, than have the stressed-out perfectionist me. And you know what? So would I. A happy me and fun times is what I want my family to remember. And the message I want to pass down to my family is to let perfection go, not take things so seriously, and have fun. 
 
So instead of a picture-perfect Christmas, I’m choosing to be chill the F-out and be kinder to myself. Instead of wrapping everyone’s gifts and with perfect bows, I’ll use gift bags and I’m taking a lavender bubble bath instead. 
 
Instead of a picture-perfect Christmas, I’m choosing to spend the evening with friends and family instead of spending another 3 hours in-line at some store. 
 
Instead of a picture-perfect Christmas, I am choosing to love me as I am and all of the imperfections as well. 
 
With this, I believe I am getting closer to the real spirit of Christmas again. 
 
Wishing you the gift of permission, loving your imperfections, and not taking things so seriously as well, this Holiday Season! 

. . .

Kat OM is the author of Resilient Love: Turn Your Wounds into Your Wings, blogger, and Mindfulness Resilience Coach. Kat helps her readers and clients find healing, empowerment, and resilience through mindful tools and practices. You can find Kat OM at:
KatOMLife.com | IG: kat.om.transform.your.life | FB: katOM30