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Sharon Crook

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December 15, 2024

What Truly Matters During the Holidays

The holiday season is often described as the most wonderful time of the year. Yet, for many of us, it can feel like a whirlwind of endless to-do lists and mounting stress. The shopping lists grow longer, the cleaning feels never-ending, and the cooking can seem like a marathon. With so many responsibilities, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and lose sight of what’s truly important.

But what if this year, we chose to shift our focus? What if we let go of the pursuit of perfection and instead embraced the beauty of connection, tradition, and memory-making?

The Responsibilities We Juggle

The responsibilities of the holidays are no small feat. From finding the perfect gifts to deep-cleaning the house before guests arrive, the expectations we place on ourselves can be overwhelming. There’s the decorating—making sure every light, ornament, and garland is in its proper place. Then there’s the cooking: preparing elaborate meals that cater to everyone’s preferences and dietary needs.

While these tasks are all part of what makes the holidays feel special, they shouldn’t overshadow the deeper meaning of the season. At its core, the holidays are about togetherness, love, and gratitude.

Shifting the Focus

Instead of striving for perfection, let’s prioritize what truly matters: time spent with the people we love. Whether it’s sharing laughter over a meal, reminiscing about holidays past, or simply sitting together in the glow of twinkling lights, these are the moments that stay with us long after the season ends.

Traditions play a powerful role in this. Maybe it’s baking cookies with your kids using your grandmother’s recipe or watching the same classic movie every Christmas Eve. These rituals, however small, create a sense of continuity and belonging that can be cherished for years to come.

The Gift of Presence

While finding thoughtful gifts for loved ones can be meaningful, the most valuable gift we can give is our presence. Set aside the distractions, put down the phone, and truly engage with the people around you. Listen to their stories, share your own, and make memories that no store-bought item could ever replace.

The holidays are also a time to reach out and connect with those who may be feeling alone or forgotten. A simple phone call, a handwritten card, or an invitation to join your family’s celebration can make all the difference.

Creating Space for Joy

This holiday season, give yourself permission to let go of what doesn’t serve you. Maybe that means saying no to a commitment that feels more like an obligation than a joy. Maybe it’s scaling back on the elaborate decorations or simplifying your holiday menu. By lightening your load, you create space for the joy and magic of the season to shine through.

A Season of Gratitude

Finally, take a moment to reflect on all that you have to be grateful for. The holidays, after all, are a celebration of love and togetherness. They’re a time to honor the relationships that sustain us, the memories that shape us, and the traditions that connect us to those who came before.

So this year, let’s focus less on the tasks and more on the moments. Let’s make space for what truly matters: the laughter, the connection, the love. Because at the end of the day, it’s not the perfectly wrapped gifts or the flawless dinners that we remember—it’s the people we share them with.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with peace, love, and cherished moments.

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