There's Magic in the Air

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

With so much going on during the holiday season, overwhelm can easily arise and take a toll. People can feel snowed under by the need to find the perfect gifts, as well as trying to create magic moments for family. Depression numbers rise. It doesn't have to be that way.  We can instead choose to let go of the pressure around us to embrace what society thinks a holiday should be, and instead think about what gives us joy.

My husband has never liked Christmas in particular, and unfortunately had a previous marriage where spending during the holidays was excessive. He would check out, disappearing into a black hole as the season raged around him. January was a terrible month as it was when the bills started to come in and he had to figure out how to pay them. Before we were married, I had no idea. 

The first few year of marriage I found his attitude towards the holidays sucked all the joy out of it for me. More than once I dissolved into a puddle of tears.  Then we had a conversation about our joint needs.  I loved to buy gifts for the kids but was absolutely happy to stick to a budget. For extended family we would give small gifts to nieces and nephews, but nothing to the adults. They would just get card. Most of all I would handle the gift buying and not involve him in any way.

Then we spoke about what gave him joy. His answer? Family coming together. He loved the house alive with chatter and laughter. He loved the big family dinner around the table. Even though it wasn't always easy, we found a way every year no matter how many were there, to sit around one single table and share our holiday meal. 

When the kids became old enough, picking the tree and decorating it was something I left to him.  They drove together, set it up together, and then hung the decorations. Some years tinsel was blown onto it. I am not kidding, they actually blew it onto the tree a few times. I simply sat in the room snapping pics and handing out the ornaments while enjoying holiday music.

Magic can be found in most occasions if you take the time to look deep within.  What makes you happy? What do you enjoy? For some perhaps that is travelling to a snowy or tropical climate. It might be skiing or surfing.  Do you love sharing food in a home where you can relax, trying a new recipe, or eating out in a restaurant?  Love buying gifts? Set a reasonable budget and try to shop all year to take the pressure off. Hate buying gifts? Replace that tradition with one you enjoy more.  

All it takes is keeping your heart open to the magic that surrounds you. There is always a wisp of something delicious to smell, a spark of fun to be fanned - all present hoping you will notice them.  You don't have to wait for a holiday to enjoy magic.  Let it be a part of your life every day, even if for just a moment.