Permission to Slow Down

Alysa Bajenaru -

When you think of the holiday season, you instantly think of a crazy time of year, right? I feel like holiday and crazy are basically synonymous these days.

Parties and baking and decorating and school plays and shopping and wrapping and hosting and I’m getting tired just thinking about it all.

If we’re not careful, this season will pass us by in a blur. In the blink of an eye, it will be January 1st.

With so much to do, how do we slow down and enjoy the best parts of the holiday season?

First, I guess we should figure out what the most important parts of this season are for each of us. When you think of the holidays, what do you value the most? Time with family? Drinking tea in front of a cozy fireplace? Baking your favorite treats?

What makes your heart swell with holiday spirit? Do more of that…and less of everything else.

Some of you might need permission to start crossing things off your list, especially things you have always done and feel like you have to keep doing out of a sense of tradition or obligation.

So here it is. I’m giving you permission.

  • You are allowed to slow down and enjoy the season.
  • You are not required to attend every party and function.
  • You are allowed to buy cookies for the bake sale instead of making them from scratch.
  • You are not required to make that fancy wreath from Pinterest.
  • You are allowed to sit in front of the fire and relax before the dishes are done.
  • You are not required to volunteer for everything.

You are allowed to enjoy the best parts of the holidays. In fact, I insist.

And here’s a bonus to the slowing down process, when we are crazy busy, the world seems very small and frantic. It all revolves around our overloaded schedule.

But when we slow down, suddenly we are able to look up and see the faces around us. We are more in tune with those who might need an invitation to dinner or a bag of groceries or even just a hug.

When we free up time in our schedule, we free up space in our hearts to love outside of our own little bubble.

So this year, I give you permission to slow down, cross things off your list, and get into the true spirit of the holiday season.