A Holiday Miracle to Try at Home

Source: Thanh Mai Bui Duy, Creative Commons/Flickr

I grew up with Christmas, and I love it. But I also dread it. So many complex memories and expectations. Family and friends from Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and other backgrounds enjoy this season. Most of them don’t understand the dark side—the worries, the stressors, the tension.

Every year, I remind myself there are ways to convert my holiday anxiety into the gold that makes beautiful Christmas memories. Here are five of those ways, condensed wisdom from the mindfulness research that can help us enjoy this season and help the children in our lives find the magic and keep it alive for us all.

1. Slow down and breathe. Always a good idea, mindful breathing (long slow in-breath; hold; long slow out-breath) becomes imperative this time of year, at least for me. It’s also a great dieting technique—I don’t overeat so much if I remember to breathe from time to time.
2. Find an attitude of gratitude. One of the best happiness secrets ever is to reduce your expectations, and focus instead on the good stuff you already have. Think about what you’re grateful for, moment by moment, not what you’re hoping to get from others by way of gifts or kindness or help around the house.
3. Dial it back. Time, money, energy—they’re all in short supply this time of year. So keep your holiday plans as simple as you can. Say no to events that push you to the limits. Restrain your spending. Take good care of your self in every way you can.
4. Let the light through you. Be conscious of yourself as a channel of light for others. Look for the light that comes through each other person you encounter. Do what you need to do to stay clear as a channel of light, and to see others’ light, no matter how tired or rushed you feel, or how small the beam they might be transmitting. With a little practice, you really can let your heart be light.
5. Be open to the infinite possibilities each day brings. Attune yourself to the possibilities for joy, connection, and abundance all around you.

So have yourself a mindful little Christmas. Become the alchemist who creates the magic from the mess of stress, and makes these the happy golden days of yore. By trying these ideas for yourself, you’ll be showing the children in your life the magic of Christmas. And for the little ones who are open to more explicit kinds of learning, you can share the secrets of your magic with them.

For More Thoughts on Happy Christmas Miracles

Beyond Intelligence: Secrets of Raising Happily Productive Kids, by Dona Matthews and Joanne Foster

“26 Simple Gifts to Last Forever,” by Dona Matthews

“Finding the Wonder in the Ordinary,” by Dona Matthews

“Where Does Happiness Come from, Mommy?” by Dona Matthews

Music by Raffi

“Mindful Gift Giving,” by Marilyn Price-Mitchell

“How to Stress-Proof Your Parenting for a Happy Holiday Season,” by Ariadne Brill

“5 Ways to Add Joy to the Holiday Season,” by Rebecca Eanes

And you might want to sign up to receive a daily parenting post from Sarah Chana Radcliffe, a bite-sized capsule of wisdom in your inbox every day. Here's an example:

When the family gathers together to create joyous memories, some child won't come, some child is crying, some child is fighting with another, some child is sulking, some child is wild, some adult isn't helping enough, some adult is doing too much, someone feels uncomfortable, someone wants to go home, and some people of all ages are having a wonderful time. It's a family gathering. It is what it is. Expect all of it. Accept all of it.