Dear Holidays, I’m Not Breaking up with you, but I am Giving Myself Permission to Relax and Have…

Summary

The author, Kat OM, is redefining her approach to the holidays by prioritizing peace, joy, and self-care over the pressures of perfection and consumerism.

Abstract

Kat OM expresses her love for the holidays while acknowledging the stress that comes from societal pressures to create a perfect celebration. She decides to give herself permission to simplify holiday tasks, such as sending cards and gifts, to focus on the true essence of the season—peace, love, and joy. By choosing not to strive for an Instagram-worthy holiday, she embraces a more relaxed and fun-filled approach, valuing the happiness and health of her loved ones over materialistic ideals. Kat's message is one of self-compassion, encouraging others to let go of perfection, enjoy the imperfections, and prioritize meaningful connections during the holidays.

Opinions

The author believes that the holidays have become overly commercialized and stressful due to societal expectations of perfection.
She advocates for a shift in focus from materialistic aspects (gifts, decorations, perfect appearances) to personal well-being and quality time with family and friends.
Kat OM suggests practical ways to reduce holiday stress, such as not sending cards unless it brings joy and simplifying gift-giving.
She emphasizes the importance of self-care, like taking a lavender bubble bath, as a form of kindness to oneself during the holiday season.
The author's opinion is that the real spirit of Christmas is about love, togetherness, and fun, rather than achieving a picture-perfect celebration.
She encourages readers to grant themselves permission to let go of unrealistic standards and to embrace a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday experience.

Dear Holidays, I’m Not Breaking up with you, but I am Giving Myself Permission to Chill-out and Have More Fun Instead

Photo credit: Alena Ozerova

Dear Holidays - I love you holidays. I love your magic, your kindness, community, humanity, and all the peace, love, and joy you represent. But, over the years, we humans have lost our way, turning you into a materialistic, consumeristic event. There’s so much pressure between the gifts, food, and decorations. All to give all the appearance of the idyllic perfect holidays. All of this on top of my already demanding job and my regular responsibilities, and sometimes, it’s just too much. I know it’s not your fault. I realized I got all caught up in the illusions of perfection. So rather than break up with you holidays, I’ve decided I’m giving myself permission and give myself the gift of peace instead…

I’m giving myself permission to not send cards out unless it brings me joy.

I’m giving myself permission to pare down my gift list to shop less to bring myself more peace.

I’m giving myself permission to not have to be so creative every year. And send everyone an annual fruit basket or nut tray.

I’m giving others permission to remove me from their list and send me the same gifts and give them the gift of peace too.

I’m giving myself permission to let things go and not worry if they don’t get done.

This holiday, I’m not taking things so seriously. It’s not the end of the world if a gift arrives late, my house doesn’t look Instagram perfect, and my hors’d’oeuvres aren’t Pinterest worthy. What’s important is that my friends and family are happy and healthy and that we’re together having fun. They would rather have a happy, less perfect me, than have the stressed-out perfectionist me. And you know what? So would I. A happy me and fun times is what I want my family to remember. And the message I want to pass down to my family is to let perfection go, not take things so seriously, and have fun. So instead of a picture-perfect Christmas, I’m choosing to be chill the F-out and be kinder to myself. Instead of wrapping everyone’s gifts and with perfect bows, I’ll use gift bags and I’m taking a lavender bubble bath instead. Instead of a picture-perfect Christmas, I’m choosing to spend the evening with friends and family instead of spending another 3 hours in-line at some store. Instead of a picture-perfect Christmas, I am choosing to love me as I am and all of the imperfections as well. With this, I believe I am getting closer to the real spirit of Christmas again. Wishing you the gift of permission, loving your imperfections, and not taking things so seriously as well, this Holiday Season!

Kat OM is the author of Resilient Love: Turn Your Wounds into Your Wings, blogger, and Mindfulness Resilience Coach. Kat helps her readers and clients find healing, empowerment, and resilience through mindful tools and practices. You can find Kat OM at: KatOMLife.com | IG: kat.om.transform.your.life | FB: katOM30

Holiday Stress

Dear Holidays, I’m Not Breaking up with you, but I am Giving Myself Permission to Chill-out and Have More Fun Instead