Do you find yourself missing the awe of Christmas through your little one’s eyes? Does your heart ache a little as you navigate holiday traditions with an empty nest?
You are not alone. It is a bitter sweet season for many of us.
A love/hate relationship with holiday traditions.
Confession: I had a melt down today. Jeff and I returned from a trip north to visit our grand babies in Michigan and celebrate Thanksgiving with my family in Ohio. I could blame it on exhaustion from the long road trip, but the truth is decorating an empty nest is just not as fun as it used to be with kiddos under our roof.
As a young Mom, I remember wearing myself out to provide my littles with all the treasured traditions that my Mom and Grandma effortlessly modeled for me. I became weary of Christmas to the point of almost dreading all the work, which was not how I wanted my kids to remember their childhood.
One year I lowered my expectations during the holidays and insisted on creating our own yearly traditions. I have fond memories of cutting our tree down at the local tree farm, baking cookies and giving new PJs on Christmas Eve. Most years I caved on Christmas Eve and allowed the kids to open all their gifts.
It has been ten years since Jeff and I celebrated our final Christmas with our kids at home. All the holiday hoopla doesn’t seem worth it without the kids. My meltdown is definitely a sign that I need to rethink my relationship with holiday traditions and work to create new ones for this season of life.
Honor the past
Why is it so hard to move on, even after ten years?
It is common for people to focus on a familiar past, especially during the holidays when you need the comfort of family traditions.
It is helpful to allow yourself a trip down memory lane, but don’t wallow there. Although memory lane is nostalgic, don’t forget to take off the rose color glasses.
For instance, I have a lot of great memories of creating Christmas magic for my kiddos, but am brutally honest about the feelings of overwhelm I often experienced. In fact, one year I decorated our Christmas tree with caution tape. We had just purchased a historic home that we were in the middle of renovating. I had a huge case of Ba-humbug!
Having a healthy relationship with your past is part of my three step process to reinvent midlife and is especially helpful during the holidays.
Living in the Now
Living in the now means creating a sense of tradition for this season of life.
The holidays can be an exciting time to allow your creative juices to flow! Regardless of the changes from year to year, pick a few traditions that just make you happy. This year I am excited about a few new ideas for holiday decorating and gifts… stayed tuned.
As a reminder, there isn’t a playbook or manual for midlife. Create Christmas magic for you!
What memories can you create today that your future self will look back with fondness?
A zesty future
Are you struggling this year? I know what it is like to ache for the season of creating Christmas magic for little ones, but I also know it is possible to move forward. I can help you develop a healthy relationship with your past, present and future self.
Create an intention for the holidays where you honor your past seasons, but fully live in the NOW with gratitude for each season moving forward.
If you hang out with me for too long, I’ll convince you that your best years are ahead.
Gift yourself an investment into your future
You owe it to yourself to become everything you were meant to be. I invite you to make an investment in your mind, your health and your future.
Are you curious how a life coach can help you navigate the holiday season? Schedule a free consultation with me today! Simply click the link below and choose a date and time on my calendar that works for you.
Now that I have allowed myself a Christmas melt down, I can truly enjoy my cozy cottage decorated for this holiday season. Here’s to celebrating new holiday traditions!
~Tiffany
And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky.
