The holidays this year most likely will be different from last year. We all have been through a gamut of emotions over this pandemic riddled year. Maybe last year we were not able to be with all of our family because of travel restrictions or being cautious about exposing our elder or immunity compromised family members to illness. Our values could have changed over the course of this pandemic too, making us realize what and who really matters. This post is all about how to be so good to ourselves and take ultimate good care of every aspect of ourselves over this holiday.

We all worry about something. The stress that holidays may bring on can amplify those feelings. We can worry all we want, but it will not change a thing. It actually zaps our energy, taking the light out of our life. One solution could be to tell ourselves okay, I will allow myself to worry for 5 minutes and set a timer. When the timer rings, ask your higher self, God and your angels to move you in the direction of your higher good. Ask to be moved in ways to alleviate your stress and worry. Then believe that you will be moved in higher ways and let all the emotion of worry melt away as your faith overcomes fear. One way to really feel this is to allow your inner child to come out to play by having fun. Go out to enjoy the beautiful light displays that pop up this time of year, go ice skating, throw some snowballs and build a snow person, if you have snow available to you. Engage in family activities like decorating the house or tree with other members of the family and make it a party, with festive drinks and food.

Sometimes I have mixed emotions around the holidays. I feel pressure to please my kids, even though two out of three of them are young adults now. Overspending can certainly take the joy out of giving. The holidays have become so commercial and man-made. I do not think our ancestors thought about gift giving as part of the holidays. To help myself get rid of these mixed emotions, I remind myself that this time of year gives us the opportunity to be with friends and family and enjoy the little moments. It gives us the chance to travel and see people that maybe we have not seen all year. It gives us the opportunity to be in gratitude for the year that we just lived and be compassionate for those who we are lucky enough to still have present in our lives. Another opportunity that comes to mind is the ability to give gifts that positively influence people’s health.

To support the good health of others, some gift ideas are listed below.

A juicer to make naturally sweet juices.

A blender to make smoothies to get your greens in.

An air fryer to make crispy, oil free potatoes.

Raw, unfiltered honey which boosts our immune system.

Herbal teas to support our wellness.

Supplements free of alcohol and additives that help our bodies fight viruses. (see my last post, part 2).