The Holiday Reindeer Roller-Coaster
- Dec 24, 2022
- 2 min read
I tend to be frustrated by the frenetic pace that life takes on from Halloween to Christmas. Instead of the classic reindeer, I'm carried along by the following: "On Costumes, on Candy, on Field trips and Parties, On Turkey, on Decorating, on Rushing and Shopping...." I feel like I get on a roller coaster in the late fall, and I am simply propelled on a chaotic current from one event to another until I get unceremoniously dumped on the exit ramp, dizzy and breathless, on January first. This is not to say that there is not fun, joy, excitement, and true celebration occurring, but it can be hard to find it through the madness.
Yesterday was the first day I had off from work after scheduling myself for 9 days in a row. That was self-inflicted madness, that I will consciously work not to repeat. I found myself cranky and irritable all day long, and at the end of the day, I realized that I didn't take any intentional time for myself and my sanity. I normally fit in a quick yoga practice or stretch right after I wake up, and I skipped that. I also waited until later in the day for a walk, rather than taking advantage of the nice morning weather, so I ended up walking as the temperature was plummeting.
By the end of the evening, when I should have been relaxed and enjoying the start of a long holiday weekend, I was just exhausted, so I put myself to bed early. But, I resolved to start Christmas Eve off in a way to encourage a good attitude from myself. I woke up this morning and after some coffee, I locked myself in the guest room with strict instructions for the kids not to bother me unless the house was on fire, an alien landed in the front yard, or somebody's leg fell off. If an arm fell off, they were to put a bandage on it until I was done. (Mom of the year over here, as usual!). I relaxed and stretched with one of my YouTube yoga videos, then put on ALL the warm clothing, and this Floridian braved the 27 degree weather for a jog with my trusty sidekick, Mako.
It's 11am, I'm calm, ready to attack some present wrapping and cleaning, I haven't yelled at the kids once yet today, and I will be able to soak in the joy of a Christmas Eve Mass, followed by a wonderful family get-together, enjoy our warm home on a cold winter night, and laugh together tomorrow morning as we find out what magic Santa has left under our tree.
Friends, please, please, please, take a moment to pause and take care of yourself. Don't let the Holiday Reindeer Roller-Coaster drag you away from the sparkle and magic of the season. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
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