Christmas is one of my favorite holidays, but it's not for everyone. You might not celebrate or enjoy it. Regardless, this time of year does bring up the issue of how to cope—or thrive.
I always thought I loved winter until I lived in Michigan for a few years. I love the occasional snow, but nine months of it broke my soul. I'm Texas/California-raised, so my lack of sunlight for so long was taxing.
Now that I live in milder Missouri, when I think of winter, I think of spending time with family and hibernating. Both can be bittersweet. Christmas gives me something to look forward to, mainly for seeing my 7-year-old daughter enjoy it. Plus, it reminds us how we took her home from the NICU on Christmas day (she was born prematurely).
Pulling me in a different direction is wanting to hibernate. Preferably cuddled up with a family member and pet. There are times I want to isolate myself. It's such a push-pull, wishing to celebrate and be covered up in bed.
On top of that, this time can be bittersweet if you have lost someone recently, or maybe it just reminds you of someone you lost a while back. My dad died around New Year's, and I'm constantly reminded of my first infant daughter’s death during Christmas. (I have the book-ends of her loss and the joy I experience with my younger daughter—the definition of bittersweet).
So, during this bittersweet time, how do I find joy?
One way is I have learned to be more patient with myself. If that's a day nothing seems to work, or I get nothing done, I'm more okay about it. This is the time of year with a garden to let the soil rest and recover, not insist on making things grow. I try to see life that way, too, in terms of seasons.
So, now I will go cuddle up with my daughter on this lazy winter day and let our garden rest.
How will you tap into your joy?
(Thanks to Marilyn Flower inspiring this with her prompt.)