Finding the Giggles and Glimmers: TheraSistersStL Guide to the Holidays.
Holiday Traditions
Holidays are a magical time when laughter and joy brighten the air. The warmth of family gatherings, the excitement of giving and receiving gifts, and the joy of festive celebrations create unforgettable memories. Finding laughter and joy during the holidays is essential for fostering happiness and connection among loved ones. The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration. However, it can also be a time of stress, pressure, and disappointment. As therapists, we've learned that focusing on the giggles and glimmers is the key to navigating the holiday season with a positive mindset. As sisters, finding humor and noticing growth and kindness is essential in keeping us connected.
Let me share a newer tradition that TheraSistersStL has incorporated into our lives. We have started building gingerbread houses. Now, we are not fancy and don’t take time to prepare the gingerbread for the houses. We go to our local grocery store and purchase the building sets. Now, we bring a little competition to the building of the houses. Typically, teams include one of our kiddos and an adult, either one of us, a husband, or a friend. Now, our mom is also part of the competition. However, she likes to do it independently. She is quite a particular person regarding her creativity… love you, Mom. So you know there can be some tension, and everyone wants to win the best gingerbread house.
Also, gingerbread houses never go well for us. Our icing is never sticky enough; the candy accents tend to slide off, the walls fall away from each other, and the house is never straight. Oh, and the energy the kids exude is high because they eat all the candy… I can imagine this sounds terrible. Not your idea of fun. But it is! You will have a blast when you can be in this space and focus on the giggles and the glimmers. We laugh at how short of a time it takes to run out of the candy that T and D have eaten. We will laugh at how messy our hands are from the icing. We giggle at the lopsided nature of the houses. This entire fiasco contains words of encouragement, hugs, and smiles. Then we get together and compliment the falling houses and crown the winners. Ultimately, we all win something.
What Are Giggles and Glimmers
Giggles are the moments of laughter, joy, and lightheartedness that brighten our days. They might be a silly joke, a playful interaction with a loved one, or a funny memory.
Glimmers are the small moments of hope, inspiration, and gratitude that remind us of the good in the world. They might be a kind gesture from a stranger, a beautiful sunset, or a sense of accomplishment.
Steps you can take to experience Giggles and Glimmers this Holiday Season:
Set Realistic Expectations: Do not pressure yourself to have a perfect holiday. Instead, focus on creating meaningful moments with loved ones.
Practice Gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. This could be as simple as writing down three things you're thankful for in a journal.
Prioritize Self-Care: Take care of yourself during the busy holiday season. This might mean getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, or taking breaks from social gatherings.
Embrace Imperfection: Don't strive for perfection. Instead, embrace the imperfections and enjoy the holiday season for what it is.
Create New Traditions: Start new traditions with your family and friends. This could be anything from baking cookies to going for a holiday hike.
Give Back to Others: Volunteering or donating to charity can be a great way to spread holiday cheer and feel good about yourself.
Connect with Loved Ones: Connect with the people you care about through a phone call, a video chat, or an in-person visit.
Practice Mindfulness: Pay attention to the present moment and savor the small things. This could be the taste of your favorite holiday treat or the feeling of a warm hug.
Focusing on the giggles and glimmers can make the holiday season more enjoyable and meaningful. Remember, it's okay to feel stressed or overwhelmed at times. But by taking a few moments each day to appreciate the good things in life, we can cultivate a sense of peace and joy.
We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season filled with giggles and glimmers!
Amy & Katheryn
