The middle of December approaches like a surprise snowstorm.
The time between November thru January may accentuate what is missing from the season, like losing a loved one, dwindling finances, or poor health.
On top of that, the holiday expectations to be ‘jolly and light’ or have the perfect decorations or bake elaborate cookies and meals are added stress.
This is my two cents, but when I’m feeling stressed, I stop whatever I’m doing and sit with my feelings. I give them room. Not all day, but an allotted time. Sometimes it’s five minutes, others it’s twenty minutes.
Holding space for your feelings validates their importance. And it gives you time to balance it with a way to fill the empty. A method that doesn’t sink you any lower.
A few actions I’ve thought about countering stress are assembled in this poem, my attempt at a Christmas tree.
Christmas List 🌟 Rest Apologize Give a hug Forgive yourself Be kind, be gentle Give a soft answer Seek to understand Encourage someone Express your gratitude Seek out a forgotten friend Have a cup of hot chocolate Eat a Christmas cookie or two Take pleasure in nature's beauty Love
I received a few Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) of my novel, The Garden of Second Chances. Subscribers to my newsletter had a chance at a drawing. A random generator chose the name.
Subscriber Danielle B. won a copy of the novel. Thank you to the several subscribers who entered. I’ll let you know when I have a giveaway on Goodreads.
My monthly newsletter will go out on December 17th instead of December 24th. Also, the last Sunday is Christmas, so I’m forgoing the Sunday Share post until January.
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