Last week I was listening to an episode of the podcast “We Can Do Hard Things” with Glennon Doyle. One of the many things she and the other hosts were discussing their top three holiday hacks. They were talking about how we are programmed to embrace the holiday season as the most wonderful time of the year and therefore, how much pressure that puts on us.
Glennon’s sister, Amanda, piped in at one point and said that instead of referring to this as the “most wonderful time of the year” we should simply say it’s “the most time of the year.” Amen sister. I’m having t-shirts made on Etsy with the edited version of this phrase pronto.
As an end-of-life consultant, I see firsthand the hard things my clients are experiencing – unexpectedly losing a loved one, cleaning out and selling their beloved childhood home, or facing the sobering reality of their new life as a widow or widower. You know, really tough stuff.
My point is that regardless of what you are currently going through this holiday season, my hope is that you will give yourself a break. I know how much pressure we can put on ourselves to create this magical, perfect holiday in a box and then feel disappointed if our holiday season is nowhere near that or is just “meh.”
I, for one, am going to try and take my own advice and release a little of that pressure valve. The holiday season will end up being the most, no matter what.
Whatever you’re celebrating this holiday season, I want to send along wishes of peace, love and sanity this holiday season. In other words, cheers to the Most Time of the Year!
P.S. If you or someone you know needs help navigating end-of-life or after loss circumstances, please reach out today. While I know you can do hard things, know that you don’t have to do it alone!
