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Heart Centered Holidays: Keep Calm and Carry On

L-Love yourself
I-Illuminate the true spirit of holidays
G-Give the gift of love to yourself and others
H-Honest appraisal of how you feel and what’s going on
T-Trust your inner knowing to guide you

Illuminating the true spirit of the holidays happens as we focus on creating traditions from our heart, not with stress, obligation or because we have always done it that way. “Holiday glue”, our family traditions, are what supports you and your family in the heart centered illumination of the true spirit of the holidays.

shannon books I am happy to have Shannon Kelley Pattee as a guest blogger on the beginning of this month of holidays. Shannon has many talents but I know her as an author, extraordinaire-front desk and first line of fire, jack of all trades and keeper of calm, always with a smile on her face at the front desk at Bright Beginnings:Early Learning Center in Dunedin, Florida, a wonderful place for young children.

Read about Shannon’s “holiday glue “…. and I hope it inspires you to create your own!

“I have such wonderful memories of holidays past and the traditions, which my parents maintained year after year. A sense of familiarity, warm nostalgia and family unity, which occurred during these times, was the glue that keeps us connected even today. I always looked forward to Thanksgiving Day. The television was tuned to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and later in the day we all gathered at my Grandparents house where my overwhelmed Grandfather would typically sit quietly trying to make sense of the fifteen different conversations that were all occurring in unison due to being out number by a houseful of women. He and the other two or three men didn’t stand a chance! My Mom usually made her annual sour cream fruit salad which is still one of my favorites today. Everyone brought something to share and a good time was had by all.

My parents were also consistent with our Christmas traditions. The Christmas tree was decorated by all of us while the Walt Disney Christmas Carol album was playing in the background and don’t forget the Charlie Browns Christmas special which was an annual treat. The family also sat together and read the traditional “Christmas Story” to remember the real reason for celebrating the season.

On Christmas morning there was but one rule to follow. Before entering the living room where Santa left our gifts we must first wake the adults so that all of us could share in the excitement. Although, I think that Santa’s elves had been up late putting things together so their excitement was not quite as vibrant as ours. Everyone opened gifts together and I have to admit that Santa did a great job of providing a well-rounded selection of presents. We would each get a few personal items, but then there were also items for the entire family to share. Such as our ping pong table, board games, bikes and even a racetrack that was already put together for everyone to enjoy and designed to bring us together as a family.

Even New Year’s Eve had its own tradition, which we still carry out and laugh about today. The infamous Cheese Ball! Champagne for the adults and sparkling Cider for the kids and if we could stay awake until midnight we would watch the ball drop in New York City.

Cheerful familiarity and traditions are the uniquely designed glue, which bond friends and family. However simple, creative or over the top your traditions are for whatever holidays your family celebrates keep them going year after year and you to will develop “The Holiday Glue” for lasting memories.”

Shannon’s heart-centered holiday glue she’d like to share with you!

“The Sharing Child”

Preface

A child’s moral character is developed in the early years of life. The need to instill kindness, empathy, understanding, respect and love for others is top priority if we are to do our part in creating a peaceful world.

I was inspired to write “The Sharing Child” by a strong- willed little spitfire of a girl who had no problem speaking her mind, yet had one of the most giving hearts that I have encountered throughout my many years of teaching. She was always the first to offer food, the first to soothe a crying child and would keep her teachers and classmates in her nightly prayers. She lived with her mother and grandmother who laid a strong foundation for her sharing heart.

Please enjoy reading “The Sharing Child” with your family. Next, print out a copy for your “Sharing Child”. Sign their name on the bottom, add your child’s.

Happy Holidays!

Click here to download PDF.

The Sharing Child

“I have worked with children and families for twenty-five plus years. There are two main character traits which one must possess if one is to embrace the plethora of personalities along with the jovial thirst for knowledge; a flexible spirit and a great sense of humor!

My background as a Child Development Specialist has led me down an amazing path. My array of “hats” include that of an Early Childhood Educator, Director, Staff Writer, Children’s Art Instructor, Family Outreach/Events Coordinator, Author and many other mix and match combinations.

At the top of my life’s list is helping to strengthen the family bond and filling the needs of others. Through my stories and ideas I hope to send fun, inspiring messages which will promote a positive mind set and instill a strong value system in all. “ You can find Shannon at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChttMKtd5yQZeOAFP5VffVQ

Thank you, Shannon!

Please post and share the “holiday glue” that you and your family love to illuminate the holidays,

Bonnie

How many times does your LIGHT get dimmed during the holidays? Wouldn’t you love to stay calm and carry on? When you feel your light beginning to fade, there are pathways you can turn to, to help you remember what you know in your heart will shine your LIGHT.

Now thru December, I will share with you blogs and articles to support you in the most heart-centered ways so as to help you create a light-filled and magical holiday season.

SHINE YOUR LIGHT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

L- Love yourself

I – Illuminate the true spirit of the holidays

G – Give gifts of love to yourself and others

H – Honest appraisal of how you feel and what’s going on

T – Trust your inner knowing to guide you

Starting with Halloween at the end of this week, the stir of the holiday season begins.

In hearts of children we see pure joy as they anticipate and prepare for Halloween festivities. The gleam in their eyes (before the candy) reflects the excitement of the costumes, colors, and the fun of trick or treating. Their imaginations and sense of adventure are unlimited as they think about ‘who they can be’ and acting out those roles with no inhibitions as only a child can do.

As adults we get caught up in the activity and exploration for fun, but with our own limitations and expectations on perfect costumes and ‘getting the night right’. Then, when trapped in our own stresses, we don’t set limits on time, festivities and on the sugar goodies. The smiles turn into whines and upset tummies, and the fun into chaos and mayhem.

Then, before you can catch your breath from costumes, parties and Halloween festivities, preparation for Thanksgiving is upon us.

If your focus is kindness, giving and thankfulness, then Thanksgiving will be a true day to celebrate.

However, the overload and stress of cooking, cleaning, and even traveling for Thanksgiving can dim the joy and take away from the lightness and purpose of getting together with family. Many times you begin to feel less than thankful because you have overextended yourself, not set limits on what you are doing and not asked for help or simplified how you created the festivities for Thanksgiving Day.

Then with the speed of sound, we move into the Holidays of Light in the month of December.

The weight of the multitudes of additions to the already full to do list becomes overwhelming. There are the ever increasing demands of the holiday season, holiday parties, costumes for Christmas plays and of course the gift giving. The list goes on and during the month of December.

BE the LIGHT.

IS it possible to be LIGHT during the holidays? I believe it is.

If you listen closely Angel Violet whispers not so softly,“It all starts with you!”

L- Love yourself. (Part 1)

You will thank yourself (and so will your children and family).

A heart centered holiday mantra is “Stay calm and carry on”. Being calm means letting go of the should’s, ought to’s, and most importantly, what others will think about what you do or don’t do for the holidays. (This works well in life in general, as well.)

Some of the loving questions you can ask yourself are:

Does this stress me out or give me joy? what can I do differently? Why am I doing this? Will this make a difference 10 years from now?

It’s amazing the sense of peace you’ll experience when you let go of the should have to reason for doing certain things. Not only will you feel better, but you will have more energy for what you want to do.

The negative energy weighs you down.

I know this is easier said than done but give it a try. I think you might be surprised how easy it may be to let something go or do it differently.

For Halloween – Do you really have to make the costume this year? Where can you set limits? Something that has worked for many parents is trading candy for something else the day after Halloween.

Shine your LIGHT on Halloween; join in the fun, but set limits for everyone so that the day and evening remain pure and enjoyable.

Remember, Thanksgiving is not the only day of the year you need to get together with family, and isn’t the only day gratitude is present in your life. Your LIGHT can always shine with a sense of heart-felt happiness as your family gives thanks for the small things in life. Take the pressure off of only thinking it can happen one day a year.

Think about it, what is the message you want to give your children/family about the holidays?

Ways to Love Yourself

This may sound preposterous but giving yourself a little “love” -yes quiet or alone time, even ten minutes, will refresh your body and mind.

More importantly, if some of that loving time is already in your schedule, don’t skip that time during this season, or don’t skip your yoga or gym class, which is so easy to do during these busy weeks. This is when you need it most.

When you engage in “quiet time moments”, you may find that your to do list keeps flashing through your mind. Stop and give your mind something else to focus on. Be gentle. Notice your mind wandering and bring it back.

You may want to:

Listen to a short, quiet meditation.
Focus on your breathing.
Play music you love and really listen to the words.
Or sing the words to the song. (Loud!)
It may be cold but 10 minutes in the fresh air will clear your mind.
Don’t skip the opportunity for quiet if you get a mani pedi. If you don’t do that, gift yourself some time. Be still. Enjoy the pampering.
Your physical body will thank you.

I believe magic is in the letting go, creating space. Although contradictory it does work.

Love yourself, by being kind in your expectations of yourself. Stop when you are tired, and definitely when you are exhausted. (I so remember those holiday seasons that I was fighting a cold by the time Christmas Day arrived).

Loving yourself is stopping. Stopping to refuel your inner self, stopping to eat, and stopping to be still….even for a short time.

As you love yourself, it takes pressure not only off you, but also your children and everyone around you. Children feel your stress and act accordingly, so loving yourself IS loving your children (family and friends).

Three Pathways to Loving Yourself This Holiday Season

De-stress and Relax, just a bit, to Shine Your Light this Holiday Season

First Pathway:

Enjoy the Free Spa Jacuzzi Room and 3 Minute Light Meditation

http://serenitypathways.com/free-spa/

You’re taking the fist step off the busy treadmill of life as you nurture your body, mind and spirit. After your visit you will notice how in just this short time you feel more relaxed and calm.

Second Pathway:

nkmealplansheader “This site had a hands down agreement of being helpful with families who had young children to those who were very busy looking to prepare meals in an easy but time effect ant way. “Feeding your family nourishing real foods doesn’t have to be hard. http://diamondpathways.com/resources/gifts/

Third Pathway:

The Family Diamond Audio Series

Many women are not alone in needing support to navigate the holidays with as much ease as possible. Your “inner family” (inner child, inner nurturer, inner warrior, inner sage) can support in small ways you may not have thought of to move through the holidays more easily and with more joy. Your inner family can also remind you what’s important to navigate your days more efficiently and gracefully. The Inner Family Diamond 5 part audio series is for anyone who wants to more easily find inner peace (especially during the busy season), listen inwardly more closely, support yourself more quickly and go after what you desire more confidently. read more at DiamondPathways.com/family-diamond/

Post your ideas, your experience and inspire another women!

Be your loving light during the holidays,

Bonnie

What is Your Holiday Glue?

Heart Centered Holidays: Stay Calm and Carry On