If that message from Santa didn't hit you with some perspective, watch it again.
During this time of year we like to add fun and festive things to our lives. We have an elf on the shelf (who is sent to watch the naughty kids but is naughty himself....). We have colorful trees and lights. We say "Happy Holidays" and " Merry Christmas". But we are not always happy or merry. Too much gets in the way. Buying gifts. Planning get-togethers. And working.
Not every student celebrates a holiday this month, but many do. We add fun crafts, decorations, and elves to the school. We are cheerful and jolly. And when the students aren't looking we are exhausted and slightly grinchy.
The message from Santa reminds us that we should not be looking at the students as "naughty" or "nice" but rather see their needs and who they are as a person. Are they showing frustration over a school subject? Is there something going on at home and they packed that emotion in their backpack with the school work? Are they too wearing a Santa Smile to hide a Grinch Heart?
How do we help our students and ourselves be mindful and find a way to grow a Grinch heart three sizes?
Below is a list of ideas. Simply ideas. Not a to-do list which stresses you out and you have to check off one-by-one to ensure you are mindful. Find one or two that work for you. Explore a few for your students too.
Mindful Holidays
1. Mindful Eating. This time of year there is LOTS of food. Mostly unhealthy, but so delicious. Remember to take time to enjoy. Don't chastise yourself for eating those extra calories. Enjoy them. Eat them slowly. Take a deep breath in and experience the amazing smells. Experience the flavors. Sip slow. Chew well. Enjoy.
2. Mindful Walking. I know that it's cold, but enjoy a walk. This time of year can be bleak and grey, but it can also be colorful and bright. Find a place that has a great light display and go for a walk. Take in deep breaths and experience the spirit of the season. Listen to the sounds. Maybe they are your feet crunching snow. Perhaps they are of animals in a distance. Find some peace in the calm of the night. When the walk is over try tip number one and have some hot cocoa with whipped topping. Remember sip slow and indulge.
3. Morning Movement. Try giving your body a wake up stretch with yoga. The slow movements of yoga and the deep breathing can help you slowly wake your body. Stretch out all the sleep and give yourself time to slowly start the day.
4. Get Crafty. This is a great time of year to show off your creative side. Make some festive decorations. Bake a pie or some cookies. Create art. Nothing has to be perfect. Edible is a good goal. Pretty is appreciated. But even if you never reach perfect, enjoy the process. Find some flow and let go.
5. Quiet Time. Give yourself permission to recharge in a calm and quiet place. Turn off screens. Enjoy a moment of peace and calm. Give yourself this small gift.
6. Keep a Routine. This is a challenge. But research shows that we should never stray far from our normal sleep schedule. Give yourself permission to go to bed on time (or early). Give yourself permission to sleep in (or get up on time). Having a break from work doesn't mean you have to stay up late or sleep in. You can, but try not to stray too far from normal. When you keep your body on a normal routine your body feels better.
7. Set Priorities. Not everything has to be accomplished. Somethings you can forget. You can say "no". Set yourself a list of priorities and give yourself permission to ignore anything not on your list.
8. Conversations of Joy. A podcast recently reminded me that we don't have to talk about everything. We can choose to skip a conversation. It doesn't matter if Uncle Bob started the conversation and he wants your input. You can say you have set yourself a rule that at the holidays you only talk topics that bring you joy. If you aren't going to feel good after the conversation don't engage.
9. Gratitude List. A great mindfulness practice is to start or end your day with a gratitude list. Make it season specific. List all of the things that bring you the most joy this time of year. Lights. Smells. Decorations. Faith. Family. Food. List what they are and why they bring you joy.
10. Experience Presence not Presents. Be with friends and family. Put aside electronics. Put aside worry. Put aside stress. Put aside your to-do list. Give the present of your presences. Experience the moment in the moment.
11. Give Grace. Give yourself some understanding and grace. If you didn't complete your to-do list. It's ok. If you ate every sweet at the party. It's ok. If you went to bed early. It's ok. If you slept in. It's ok. If you slowly drank your morning coffee, before you did anything for anyone else in the house. It's really truly ok. Don't berate yourself for taking a break. If you make it out on the other side of the holiday, that's enough.
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