The build up to Christmas is HUGE! I mean we start to see the décor and advertisements every year before Halloween even hits. And to be honest, most of us love it! We love the anticipation, festivities, traditions and gatherings with our loved ones. Yes, it’s stressful and yes it’s a lot of work. But, we love it! Then after days and days of thinking about it. BOOM. It’s over! You start to dread winter and that long wait for warmer days.
But I have some thoughts, ideas and advice for you this year. First it starts with a mindset shift. There are so many great days ahead of you and winter can be a great time to make amazing memories. What I love about the Midwest is we get all four seasons. The fact is, change is inevitable and that is a hard pill to swallow for the majority of people. I love a good nature analogy, so here is one for you. Trees don’t fear change. They embrace each season and accept it for what it is. I love the quote “Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all” by Stanley Horowitz. We need all four seasons.
Ok now, let’s get you some tangible ideas. This year, challenge yourself to embrace Valentines’ Day. I know it’s a cheesy holiday that you probably have a few icky memories of. My Mother’s memorial was on Valentine’s day! So if I can make lemonade out of lemons so can you! Let’s start with packing up all the Christmas decorations. Rip the band aid off! Put it away but keep those holiday cards. Cut them into heart shapes. Voila! Now you have 2 more months to keep those beautiful faces out on display in your home. Next start planning!! What can you surprise your kids with? We love those chocolate molds that you whack and inside is filled with candy. It might as well be Christmas morning again for my kids. What are you going to do for dinner? Taco Bell by candlelight? Do it! Maybe you want a hotel room alone? Or a Galantine’s day party with your best gals. Maybe an underwear exchange with your sisters? Whatever you choose start planning and decorate!
Do not fear the cold. Get out and walk! You need that sun. You need the fresh air. In fact, FIT4MOM Carmel does two free coffee stroller walks each month. Even in the winter! This is your official invitation. And when in doubt and all else fails, do something kind for someone else. Did a certain someone pop in your head just now when you read this? Text them a Starbucks card with a “you are a great mom” note. Buy them (and yourself) some flowers, do a drive-by and leave them on their porch. I can almost guarantee that when you are feeling sadness creep in, doing something kind will always be the best medicine.
Spring will come, but in the meantime choose to celebrate the in-between. This might be the biggest and best legacy you can pass down to your children.
Xo Debra