How to Have an Intentional Holiday Season
2022 has been a year, it feels that many of us are just getting our heads above water in the aftermath of 2020. So why is it so important to be intentional this holiday season?
I may be a bit dramatic in saying this, but 2022 has to be one of my hardest years yet. This is not to say that I haven’t had so many joyful moments, because trust me I have. But this year really started off on a bad foot. New Year’s Eve I was exposed to COVID. A week later tested positive on the day I was supposed to get on a flight for Disney World.
I’ll spare you all the details, but the next 9 months after that were filled with ER visits, numerous appointments with specialists who threw in the towel saying I had long COVID. I struggled with breathing issues, neurological symptoms, and stomach issues. Finally in July I found out I had biliary dyskinesia, or a low functioning (slow) gallbladder. I had been struggling for years with stomach issues, so whether COVID had made it worse or I had long COVID on top of this issue I may never know.
In October, I finally had my gallbladder removed. Today I am much better than I have been, though I still experience some stomach issues which I am hopeful will get better with time. It’s hard to not be pulled into the scary feeling of getting sick again or that I will never be the same as I was before. But it’s true, I don’t think I will ever be the same after this and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
This coming holiday season, I am trying to choose intentionality to settle into this new me, and to give myself the rest and joy I really deserve. Here are some tips I have to enjoy the season.
1. Bake Holiday Goodies
There is nothing better to get you settled into the chilly weather and fill your home with yummy scents than baking. Pumpkin and apple pies for Thanksgiving, and cookies decorated with red and green for Christmas. Gingerbread men and houses, cinnamon breads, and cheesecakes are sure to put you in the spirit this season.
2. Candles
A basic one, but it can be so comforting to light a holiday candle. I’ve been getting into a routine with candles. Being that I work from home, I light a candle in my office around 4:30 p.m. when the sun starts to set. It is the most comforting way to end your work day. A it makes the sun setting early a little bit better.
3. Helping Loved Ones
Do you have a family member that loves to host the holidays? It can be so rewarding to offer to come early to a gathering to help cook and set up. Plus, you get to spend a little extra time with your host. Also bringing over a baked good or bottle of wine for a gathering can be a great help and kind gesture. Spending time with family and loved ones is what the holidays are all about.
4. Go See Christmas Lights
Driving around your neighborhood with hot cocoa or other hot drink and looking at Christmas lights is just perfection. Bring cozy blankets and play Christmas music and you are all set. Also if you live somewhere where they have a walk through Christmas light display, I would encourage you to check it out.
5. Decorate Your Home the Way You Love
Don’t worry too much about “design trends.” Rather, decorate your space in a way that brings you joy this season. Pull out nostalgic Christmas decor you’ve had for a while, or shop for some new pieces. I have so many pieces from my college dorm that I still use for Christmas. HomeGoods and Target are always great stores to find some Christmas decor.
6. Plan a Little Trip for the New Year
Have something to look forward to after the Holiday are over. This is a tradition my boyfriend and I are doing for the second time, and I hope that we can continue this. It gives us something to be excited about right as the after-holiday blues start to hit us.