Focusing on what matters most this holiday season

There’s no denying the fact that the upcoming holidays brings a new kind of pressure for adults and parents – the endless to do list, the perfect spread, the best feast and the gifts that make our kids feel like this year was the year to remember. But in the end, focusing on all the things that we feel we must do during this season can sometimes take away from the parts about the holidays that are really worth appreciating. The memories that really stand out for me is the time spent with those I love, the traditions we’ve built and look forward to as November and December draws upon us, and the little things that brighten the season.

In the end, no one really notices if you bring back the same dish you did last year to their potluck or that you wore that outfit before - if going shopping for a new dress didn’t make the list - since you were focused on more important things. And if they do remember, it’s the friends and family members that have a common understanding of what matters in the end who really don’t care and that’s the people worth listening to.

This year, here are my strategies for making the most of the holidays.

-Wonder – I’ve been looking at the holidays from a completely different lens this year. Seeing our son light up at the sight of Christmas lights and the wonders of the season inspires me to do the same and to be in the moment.

-Savour – My favorite part about the holidays is being with family and friends and this is definitely something worth savouring and appreciating. We always have so much fun hanging out, talking, and reflecting on the last year and the one coming up. I also am a huge fan of holiday baking and making homemade treats which I package and hand out at our family holiday events. These are two things I have always looked forward to, year after year. The holidays are a great time to be grateful for the little things you look forward to most as the date approaches.

-Slow down and relax – The holidays don’t need to be extremely rushed, but we often feel that we need to please everyone. Attend the events that are most important to you and slow down the pace, don’t overbook yourself. Take a day (or a few) to just relax either by staying in pajamas and cuddling up with a good book, or going to a spa or a movie you’ve been wanting to see.

-Be creative –What is a lot more meaningful than store bought gifts are things that are homemade. I love making homemade gifts for kids – it also helps me to let out my creative side and it’s honestly just fun. This year, I’m also planning to write a lengthy but sweet letter to someone I care for deeply to let them know how much they mean to me and why. This isn’t something that a gift card can say.

-Be kind – Help others in some way whether that be by volunteering at a soup kitchen, organizing an event, buying a toy for a family in need, or making a donation to a local charity (visit www.ottawacancer.ca for some inspiration on how The Cancer Foundation and its cancer coaching program, as well as efforts to raise important funds for local clinical trials and research, is having a life-changing effect on people in our community who are living with cancer and their families)

-Build traditions – This past weekend was filled with joy because we put up the Christmas tree, spent time visiting Santa with our son and going to see the Canadian Pacific Holiday train with a really good friend who has a son the same age. These little traditions mean a lot and they remind me how lucky I am to be able to share these memories with family, how grateful I am to have the family and friends I have, to have a real circle of care and love that I wouldn’t change for the world.

What is most important to you this holiday season?