christmas in ... october? how to stay present when the rest of the world is charging ahead
/One of the most important things a busy caregiver can do for all-around wellness is to be in the current moment. Doing that helps you stay safe and grounded in your body (to avoid those pesky tripping mishaps), focused mentally and in-tune emotionally. But how the heck do we do that when our local retail outlets started displaying Halloween costumes when temps were still in the 90s?
I’ve always lived in the Northeast, where the seasons announce themselves with big changes in the weather. So it’s hard for me to look too far ahead on the calendar, knowing that the amount of daylight will be different than what it is right now, and I’ll most likely be picking my clothing from another part of the closet by then.
We live in a world where we can have anything we desire delivered right to our doorsteps. Popsicles in November, parkas as school is letting out for the summer. And while plannng is essential—how would we possibly organize those special family gatherings otherswise?—I think there are a few things we can do to make the most of the present moment, and not let it slip away as we enjoy a favorite item from the seaons-to-come.
pumpkin spice with intention: Each season seems to have things some of us can’t wait to enjoy—Christmas carols, flip flops, etc. If those things truly light you up, try to indulge yourself while still being aware of the season around you. First gingerbread latte of the season? Notice your feet on the ground (and toes in the sand, perhaps), take the time to smell and really taste the flavors, and have a little gratitude for the privilege of being able to enjoy this special treat whenever you’d like.
plan, yes—but not at the expense of what’s going on around you: We make a point of telling kids not to wish away their childhood by acting much older than their age. Those innocent days go by way too fast, we say, and you can’t really get them back. I feel the same way about the seasons. If I spend October putting up my holiday decorations and watching my favorite movies (I see you, Elf), what will I be doing in December? And before you think it … you are smart for stringing your outdoor lights on a fair fall weekend instead of knee-deep in the first Vermont snowfall. But I’d prefer not to see those green-and-red bulbs lit up at night until we flip a calendar page or two.
if it truly brings you joy, enjoy: I know I’m going out on a limb with this post, and I wouldn’t dare tell you to stop doing something that makes you happy. Please just don’t constantly look ahead in an effort to escape the present moment. Forcing spring bulbs so they bloom indoors can bring a lot of hope to a dreary late-winter day. So as you dream of planting time, appreciate what’s going on beneath that snowy blanket in preparation for the growth that’s to come.
What do you think? When does the holiday season arrive in your home?