Silly? Who or what are we talking about?
Are we the silly ones? Or is it everyone else? Is it the expectations placed on us at this time of year? Or is it the already fast-paced life to which we must add Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, Presentation Days, Christmas concerts, graduations, formals, Christmas carols, work staff parties, family get-togethers or is it the combination of all of these things?
A definition, if I may, to begin?
Silly - weak-minded, lacking good sense, stupid, foolish, absurd, a lack of judgement, showing little thought, not important or serious, exhibiting a lack of common sense, playfully lighthearted and amusing...
Some of these definitions imply that it is us that has lost all good sense, that we are not thinking, foolish and showing a lack of judgement. Could this in fact be true?
What is it that causes this onset of one's 'silly-ness'?
financial pressures
a full social schedule
loneliness (yes loneliness)
increased alcohol (or drug of choice) consumption
expectations (placed on ourselves or by others)
poor diet
lack of routine
less sleep
a very long 'to do' list
missing loved ones no longer with us
stress
Christmas shopping
And so, what are we to do in order to survive this 'Silly Season'?
Prioritise your self care - Sit with a pen and paper and make a list of all the things you need to start doing or keep doing to look after yourself during this time. Do you need to ensure that you continue your daily walk? Do you need to get fruit and vegetables delivered regularly over the Christmas season to make sure you and your family continue to eat well? Do you need to book in a massage or hair appointment during this season? What about rest? Be sure to include that!
Draw up a calendar - Plan ahead for the busyness. Schedule in your social activities, work and school commitments, chores that need doing, shopping trips, as well as time out for rest and relaxation. Display your calendar in a prominent position where you can keep an eye on daily events and always be aware of what is coming up. Ensure that the rest of your family or household is aware of your schedule. Try to break down bigger tasks into smaller, achievable steps to lessen feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.
Connect with friends and family - Christmas can also be a time of loneliness so make sure you are connecting with the important people in your life over the holidays. Social contact is so important for overall wellbeing so also check in with those around you, elderly neighbours or people living remotely to make sure they are not completely alone this Christmas.
Give yourself permission to not be perfect. The silly season often brings with it the pressure to have a picture-perfect Christmas tree or a spotlessly clean house. Gift yourself some grace this Christmas by being ok with imperfections. Is anyone really going to notice if your windows aren’t clean? Or will anyone really care if you don’t have the latest Christmas decorations on your tree? Remember that these are your holidays too and so taking time to rest, relax and enjoy the season needs to be a priority.
Try to focus on the positives - Choose to see the joy and embrace the beautiful moments. Spending time with those you really care about can really fill your cup this season. Noticing the smiles and laughter, enjoying the warmer weather and beautiful sunshine, appreciating the opportunity to slow down and do things you wouldn't normally do like reading a book or walking along the beach. There is really so much to be grateful for at this time of year if you go looking.
Get outside in nature - A change of scenery can do wonders for your mood, especially when we get outside and take in the beauty of nature all around us. Whether it's a walk on the beach, in the bush or your local park, there is so much to take in and appreciate in this space. Give yourself time to notice your surroundings, to breathe in the fresh air, to notice the smells around you, to listen to the birds or the surf or the wind in the trees. Take off your shoes and feel the ground beneath your feet, whether that be sand, grass or something else. However you engage in nature be sure to soak in your surroundings and appreciate the slower pace and different perspective.
Don't be afraid to say NO - Sometimes you need to say no to that Christmas party or that work function or that extra trip to the shops on Christmas Eve. If your body is telling you to rest or skip it, then do that. You may choose to send a card instead, shop online or reschedule for the new year. It really is ok to say 'no' when saying 'yes' feels overwhelming or too much to bear.
Final Thoughts...
Silly also means amusing, funny, ridiculous, lighthearted and playful.
What if this was our Silly Season? A time of fun, good humour and playfulness. A time for playing jokes on your family members, laughing with your friends and just being a little bit ridiculous? What if we choose to take the stress out of this season and just focus on the joy?
Wherever you are, whoever you are with this Christmas, I wish you a beautiful season of joy, rest and peace.
Much love,
Sophie x
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