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How does December make you feel?

This month represents so many things – the coming of Christmas, the end of the year, the busyness of the holidays, the opportunities to make memories, the emotions of revisiting memories past.

For me, December is beautiful and painful. Lovely and lonely. Warm and cold. Full and empty.

December 1st is my mother’s birthday. I grew up remembering her day and seeing her remembering that special day as the start of the Christmas season. This is the day during my childhood we put up our tree. My mother waited until her birthday to officially start celebrating all of the December things, all month long.

December is also the month when my mother passed away.

Not a day goes by during the month that I don’t think of her.

Some days I smile because I’m thinking of her, enjoying the sights and smells of the holidays, spending time with my grandchildren as I resurrect some tradition she created over the years.

Some days the only thing I have is the sense of missing her terribly.

But no matter what, I remember the one thing my mother chose to do all month…

She chose to celebrate.

I can choose the same.

Here’s another thing she chose to do…

Find stillness in the midst of a very heavy and hectic season.

I know that you might be reading and know what I’m talking about. For some reason or another, this season might be heavy for you too.

Or busy for you.

Or filled with grief.

Or maybe it’s only a ton of fun but maybe it’s too much fun and you always seem to start January exhausted.

I’d like to offer some suggestions for you on how you can make the most of this season no matter what you find yourself thinking, feeling, remembering, or doing.

Those suggestions all center around the idea of cultivating stillness…

Keep reading to find out exactly what I mean….

Cultivating Stillness This Season

In my life, I have learned that “heavy” seasons need to be paired with times of stillness. It is natural and easy to get swept away in all the to-do’s, especially around the holidays. But being intentional about looking for and creating opportunities to be still could transform your experience of this amazing season.

Stillness is what keeps you grounded.

Why does being grounded matter?

Simple. Being grounded is a way to stay connected to you, to what really matters, and to experiences that make you feel alive.

Actively pursuing stillness grounds us in the present. It’s in the present that we are able to deeply connect with God, connect with those around us, and even connect with ourselves.

Here are some ways I stay connected, grounded, and present during this month. These are things that help me to experience the joy of the season, while remembering seasons gone by and setting the stage for me to create memories I will cherish in the days to come.

  • Baking Pumpkin Bread – When we were growing up, the smell of pumpkin bread always filled our home. My mother made it constantly to share with others as Christmas gifts. I bake pumpkin bread because my kids and grandkids love it and it also makes me think of her.
  • Playing Christmas Music – Christmas music was also a hallmark of our home. My parents loved Al Green and the Temptations. My boys loved the Chipmonks. I’ve had seasons where I’ve completely geeked out on Take 6, Pentatonix, Boyz II Men, and of course, there is always Mariah Carey (who becomes a billionaire again every time Christmas rolls around).
  • Hanging Out by My Fireplace – If I’m sitting, which I rarely do, I love sitting in front of the fireplace. Once I get it going there is no stopping me from reading, sleeping, and simply being still.
  • Looking at Christmas Lights – We have loaded the kids in the minivan for over twenty years and FORCED them to enjoy the Christmas lights. They’ve enjoyed every second whether they know it or not. In all seriousness, during the years when I thought they wouldn’t want to do it because they were getting older, they’ve asked me, “Are we still going to look at the lights?” Mission accomplished.
  • Strolling Around the Mall – I go to the mall not to buy (‘cuz ya’ll know I hate shopping), but to enjoy the holiday spirit and to people watch! – Again, this is something my mother loved to do. I would go with her and I’d take a book. She would shop. I would read. But we always ate good food, laughed a ton, and enjoyed watching the people. Even if I never spend a dime, I’ve had my spirits lifted.

December is a beautiful month. I’ve learned to co-exist with the joy and the grief. The fullness and the hardships of the season. What I’ve learned is that all of it represents my life and when I lean into the beauty and the reality of that, I am living.

These are just a few of the ways things I have found that help me stay present in the current moment, and grounded in the here and now while also reminding me of times gone by. What are some ways you have found you can stay grounded during the holidays?

During this time I try to take advantage of the shift in people’s schedules and plan more meet-ups and coffees.

Is my schedule full?

Yes.

Is there a lot to do?

Yup.

Is meeting up with people I love necessary?

ABSOLUTELY!

Being with my people helps me stay grounded and brings stillness of soul. Connecting with people in my real life and those I serve online gives me life! Knowing that I’m connecting in ways that matter is a part of the way I make sure I survive and thrive – especially in seasons that are full and can feel heavy.

My prayer is that you will find ways to stay grounded.

In the midst of this season, search for stillness.

During times of chaos, intentionally look for calm.

My hope is that in all of the ways I am aiming to serve you this month and beyond, you will find something that is grounding for you.

Helpful.

Calming.

Joy giving.

Peace offering.

Why?

Cuz ‘tis the season.

And if you know me well enough, you know that, for me, it’s always a good season to choose to live your life well.

 

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