How to Make the Season Go Slow

Every year around this time my husband says to me, "This is my favorite time of year.  Let's make the season go slow."  Every year the season does NOT go slow, and on New Year's Day he is always sad that the holidays are over.

Is it possible to slow down the season and make it last?  I would like to suggest that it is.  I have learned a few valuable things to help.

Be aware of what makes this time of year feel special to you.  Take music for example.  One year I discovered that playing Christmas hymns while my children were falling asleep brought that special feeling.  I played hymns on the piano each evening that December, and Christmas felt very special.  The next year I remembered that Christmas music had made the season feel special the year before, so I turned on some Christmas music throughout the day in hopes of recapturing that same feeling.  I quickly discovered that songs like "Santa Baby" and "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" did not bring the same spirit to my home that songs like "O Holy Night" and "Angels We Have Heard On High" did.  I figured out which kinds of Christmas music gave me that magic Christmas feeling, and which did not.

What are the things that you enjoy doing this time of year?  Some people love holiday parties, while other people find them cumbersome and only go out of obligation.  Spend time doing the things that you love and let the rest go.  Most people find there is so much to do that they are scheduled beyond their capacity.  Feel free to pick and choose what is enjoyable and meaningful to you, and don't feel obligated to attend every single event that is offered.

Be very intentional about being present in what you do.  Eat that special holiday treat slowly in small bites and really savor it.  Notice and enjoy the holiday music playing in the stores, and the way the community is decorated.  Enjoy the opportunity to buy people presents.  Take joy in picking them out and wrapping them.  Play Christmas music while wrapping. Soak up and enjoy the moment at music concerts.   Pay attention to people being friendly, and be friendly too.  Appreciate being able to be with friends and family at holiday events, and cherish your time with them.  You will not get these exact moments again.  Children grow and change.  Sometimes people move or pass away.   Cherish this time together.  Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy.

Finally, at the end of every day when you are laying in bed and before you fall asleep pick a favorite thing about your day.  You may be surprised at the joy this can bring you, and the sweet things about the holidays that you will be able to savor.

It's a wonderful time of year.  Slow down and savor it.