Are you a person that LOVES Christmas?… or are you The Grinch?…. or both?
I am both sometimes. 🙂 I say that because I finally have a realistic and sweet view of Christmas. I had Christmases where I felt lonely and sad and also where I exaggerated with preparations. I now found a balance. I am calm and I enjoy the sparks of joy experienced during this lovely holiday.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand the people that hate Christmas! This commercialized and cheesy holiday can become over the top. People tend to forget the real meaning of Christmas. It can become more about the decorations, the presents, the food, etc.
This ultimately creates excruciating social pressure.
Is Christmas too intense?
Depends on who you are asking, but yes – Christmas can be intense for some people. This is why it’s almost important to be kind and attentive to those that struggle with it.
Beyond the sparkly lights kitschy decorations, Christmas is a holiday that makes the modern man connect with loved ones and tradition.
Truth is that not all people have a good bond with their loved ones. Some are healing from different traumas and get anxious, sad furious around Christmas. Or some just have bad memories of this holiday.
It’s quite hard to become a Grinch, at least for me it was. I realized back then that the only way to cure my “grinchiness” is to make a plan to:
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define what Christmas means to me
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find the best way to celebrate it; establishing the traditions I want to create or follow
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build a “Christmasy” inner life
How I created a “Christmasy” inner life
After waiting for external factors to make Christmas better, I started to decorate my inner life with Christmas decorations. It was a step-by-step process that required a lot of effort to complete, but the final results are amazing.
I first started healing trauma. The more I released and healed the more room I made to put up decorations. My first decoration was a snow angel, that symbolized faith and intention for a better life (internal and external). Along the way, I managed to declutter my inner space even more that allowed me to add even more decorations! I filled my special room up with up stocking, and then a Christmas tree, and mistletoe.
I then unleashed my inner passion and started living a creative life. I started to attend more to my hobbies and activities that spark my curiosity. This is when I had room to put up a fireplace next to the Christmas tree. Then I could feel the warmth and I could see the sparks of creativity.
I became my own parent and best friend (metaphorically). This is when my cozy Christmas room became filled with people. I never felt lonely again!
The last touch was realizing that presents were never supposed to be tangible. Even when we give out presents they are symbols of love and service to others. These are the real riches of life.
This was such a beautiful, lively and unique inner room, full of bright colors and details that 100% represent me. This gorgeous room makes sure I have the most amazing feelings all year round, not only at Christmas.
As Sia, the singer would say – Every day is Christmas!
Love,
Alina
Alina Prapagic
Hi! I'm Alina.
My mission is to address and redefine mental health issues in learning and development.
I believe that, with the right mindset, people can learn at any age and in any circumstance.
Through the Redefine Education project, I am officially joining the worldwide community of writers, teachers, healers that have a growth mindset and want to help other people develop it.
