Sliding Into the Holidays

Posted in inspirationTagged , , ,

“You must not abandon the ship in a storm because you cannot control the winds…What you cannot turn to good, you must at least make as little bad as you can.” – Thomas More

There’s a scene from Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark where a stone wall is dropping to seal off the chamber and Indiana has to slide through the crack at the bottom to get out in the nick of time.

This is how I’m feeling about the holidays – I’m sliding into our Christmas plans feet first, barely making it. And it doesn’t help that Seattle got a couple of inches of snow yesterday so that nothing is happening reliably as we collectively panic through our weather conditions.

As a result, I’ve come up with some strategies for coping that I’ve written about in my Wise & Shine post: The Vortex of the Metaphorical and Messy Storm

18 thoughts on “Sliding Into the Holidays”

  1. “I’m sliding into our Christmas plans feet first, barely making it.” You couldn’t have described the way I’ve been feeling any better. For different reasons, but the feeling is the same. Thank you for the reminders you shared, Wynne! Here’s to letting it go, directing the vortex, and finding a bigger stage (hopefully indoors for me though, as I freeze in the cold). 😊🤍

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Okay, so one more thing. I logged on at work, and had an email in my inbox from Inc. that’s talking about “that feeling when you have so many things to do you can’t do any of them.” They said it’s called overwhelm freeze. Not the same scenario as yours exactly, but related. And I thought the timing was perfect as it relates to Frozen and letting it go. That’s all now – for real. Have a great day! 😃

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I love that – it fits perfectly. And when you are overwhelmed isn’t the advice to just walk away and do nothing? I think I’ve heard that from Brene Brown. Maybe it’s time for you and me to do that, Kendra!!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I’m glad that I’m in good company then, Kendra! It’s amazing how we drive ourselves right up to the edge of the holiday – maybe then it’s easier to “let it go?” Sending great thoughts to you! I’m so grateful that even in the midst of being overwhelmed, you took the time to read my post. Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Thanks for sharing your realistic holiday thoughts. Now that you have acknowledge your feelings and taken a time out to enjoy the important things in life, remember no holiday is perfect! As you and your sweet children grow so will all the traditions – enjoy this special time because it only happens once!

    Liked by 2 people

  3. We stress about all the details, when in reality, those things won’t make or break a holiday. The most important things you’ve already got well in hand! You’re a mum who dotes on her kiddos, who makes time for them and creates wonderful memories all the time… we see the photos, so we know that is true! Happy Holidays to you and yours!

    Liked by 2 people

  4. These are all wonderful strategies, Wynne. The holidays are supposed to be joyful and relaxing but the reality as we know is that they are anything but. And the excitement really ramps up with the young ones. I find it hard and I can’t imagine you doing it all on your own and without any childcare too.

    I do hope that you find the joyful moments and let go off of the ones that are not.

    I’m trying to remind myself of this too after a meltdown from T tonight because I wouldn’t let him go into the closet where we had hidden his presents. Sigh. I think I need to go outside too now. 😆

    Take good care.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Holidays and in particular this seasonal one, always has been “not knowing which way to jump” and with a variety of people forever asking me “what are you doing this year?” makes it worse. This year, my health again was under a dark cloud and I had no idea until the 16th was going to be “out from under” or “falling further into it” – so I just went into “marking time” and although I’m “out from under, whew” – I’ve not made anything happen…

    Other than part of living room is now covered in lots of containers, a rubbish sack, and the couch has gained more containers. Nothing to do with this seasonal one, but plenty to do with my life. Yes more sifting/sorting of mainly art materials. This morning I found I have 3 pairs of pinking shears – ranging from large to small…

    It’s a bit like unwrapping presents (smiles) so it’s fun!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Thank you for sharing!!.. “I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” ( Louisa May Alcott).. it may seem a bit hectic now but it will become a memory to be added to your book of memories and the wonderful thing about it is you were a part of it… and at some Christmas in the future you will recall that memory, with a chuckle, and share with family and friends… 🙂

    Physically I will be home alone this Christmas, have blowing snow and a wind chill of 35 degrees below zero, but I have a heart and home filled with memories, the food is prepared, the tree is up with presents so I am good… 🙂

    Hope you and your family have the mostest wonderfulest happiest and merriest holiday and Christmas ever and until we meet again…

    May love and laughter light your days,
    and warm your heart and home.
    May good and faithful friends be yours,
    wherever you may roam.
    May peace and plenty bless your world
    with joy that long endures.
    May all life’s passing seasons
    bring the best to you and yours!
    (Irish Saying)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 35 degrees below zero with wind chill?? Holy smokes, Dutch! I’m so glad you have your heart and home prepared with warm that exudes from the inside out. Sending you wonderful wishes for a Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2023!

      Like

Comments are closed.