Stop This Holiday Train
I Want to Get Off!
It happens every year and I know it's coming. We decorate our home for Christmas and the countdown begins. That's the fun part.
Now for the not so fun part. As the designated gift buyer of our family, it's up to me to plan, buy, and wrap all the gifts we give. I'm not sure how I ended up with that position, but it's a lot of pressure.
When my children were small it was easier because they were happy with anything shiny, cuddly, or that made a noise.
And though they still like those things, their tastes have become more refined. And when given the choice, they usually pick out gifts that are very specific, very hard to find, and usually the most expensive version. Yikes!
In this day and age of easy online shopping, many people budget for and buy the things they want throughout the year, so the traditional "Christmas List" is more elusive than ever.
It's hard to find inspiration to create art or do anything else productive during this time of the year.
But does it really have to be this way?
I started examining why all of this brings on so much stress and came to a conclusion. I want everything to be perfect and everyone to be happy, and I'll drive myself crazy trying to make sure that happens.
But those are both flawed premises.
First of all, perfect doesn't exist. The idea in my head will never play out exactly as I imagine. So in order to deal with that, I came to the conclusion that I need to do the best I can, and then let go of the outcome.
I've never had a Christmas that turned out truly bad. Maybe different from what I planned, but never bad. Sometimes, most of the time actually, those unplanned deviations turned out better. So why would this year be the anomaly (aside from the fact that it's 2020)!
And second, everyone is already happy most of the time. I've been stressing out trying to create something that's already there.
I've got caught up in the hype and lost sight of the real meaning behind Christmas and how wonderful it is to have my family all together.
It's not about the gifts, no matter what the advertisers tell you. I never truly contemplated the saying, "It's the thought that counts", but it's true.
People just want to know you care and took the time to remember them. Trying is enough even if you miss the mark on picking out the perfect gift. Just a phone call, visit, or hug is enough.
Once I had that epiphany, the weirdest thing happened.
I turned on the radio, and a 38 Special song was playing. The lyrics said, "hold on loosely, but don't let go. If you cling too tightly, you're gonna lose control."
Is it a sign or just a coincidence? I'm leaning towards an affirmation that I'm on the right track. So this year, I'm trying something different.
Will I still give the best gifts I can? Of course. And will I still have my opinions of how I'd like things to be? You bet.
But I'm going to try to relax more and let things unfold how they will because I've realized it's going to happen whether I fight it or roll with it.
I'm not built to give up total control, but I am willing to collaborate.
It should be very interesting.
So this season, I'm going to try to slow down, chill more, appreciate the things that are really important, and ride the wave of the Christmas spirit right on into 2021. Wanna join me?
Want to know more? Follow me on Facebook @ArtByKimHight for fun facts, daily celebrations, and inspiration.
Join Our Newsletter Today for Your Chance to Win!
Below is a puzzle piece from one of the paintings in the gallery. If you can guess the name of the painting correctly, you'll be entered for a chance to win a FREE MUG of your choice!
