Who has already started experiencing some real Christmas madness?
The shuffle and bustle of the holiday season has started, friends. Students are trying to finish up all their work before the holidays start (hello!), moms & dads are running around trying to get gifts for the entire family, and friends are trying to coordinate the countless get-togethers of the holiday season.
The holiday season is such a wonderful time of year. A month before I go home I start to get restless and super excited for everything that lies ahead – reconnecting with family and friends after months apart, enjoying all the Christmas yummies and simply soaking in the holiday madness with people I’ve missed so much!
But sometimes, especially in between all of the preparation, studying and trying to get everything done on time, I need a break. To relax, to breathe, to reflect and to walk it out. I know that the holiday season madness can sometimes get the best of me and even though my to-do list isn’t getting any shorter, (it seems that every time I cross something off my list another thing gets added on!) taking a moment to get some fresh air makes me feel so much more centered during the holiday season.
Especially if I am in the middle of something big, (like a paper that just won’t write itself or just feeling totally drained by the end of the day) I have to push myself a bit to get out the door but once I’m outside my worries about getting everything done on time seem to fade away as I breathe, walk forward and reflect on what’s really important in the moment. And after a short or long walk, I’m immediately refreshed, more centered and my attention has come back to the task at hand with a new approach 😉
So despite the million (a slight exaggeration) papers I have to write – for the meantime, to stay centered, I’ll find peace in walking it out during the Holiday Madness in order to keep things in perspective 🙂
How do you stay centered during the holiday season?
23 comments
What a great post Ceara! I too, have a ton of papers and assignments due, but sometimes just spending 20 minutes outside makes the rest of the night more productive. well.. sometimes.. haha!
I don’t like to deal with crowds or get out and shop much, so I haven’t seen too much. I basically stick to the small shopping centers and smaller stores and kitchen/home type stores, and avoid the mall as much as I can. I hate dealing with mall crowds, so I avoid it as much as possible. I love all of these serene pics!
I hear you on not dealing well with mall crowds! I honestly avoid the mall this time of year at all costs (it helps that there isn’t even a mall where I live at the moment – malls aren’t as big here!). I peacefully and happily did all my shopping online and avoided all the malls 😉 😀
Hahaha Ceara I can’t stop running about (and procrastinating at that…) either! Your pics are beaut! I’m loving your instag’s of late 🙂 I wish I had more time to blog blog blog about everything festive, but right now there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Even when I’m exploring London – I bring my laptop and study notes with me. Gah!
I’m soooo looking forward to a break and I bet you are too, kinda feeling like I want to get lost in some Christmas crowds actually 🙂 For now I hope you’re well, have a lovely week <3
I know! I hear ya, Tash! I bring my laptop with my everywhere so if I have a moment, I can jot down a couple more sentences of the essays I’m working on! Hope you are doing well too and the studying isn’t too hard on you! <3 Have a great week too!
Beautiful photos, Ceara!! I can’t believe it is December already! I haven’t even started thinking about Christmas presents yet! I do feel like I’ve been so busy lately that it is easy to forget to take some time for myself and stay focused! Good luck getting through the holidays and finishing up your school work 🙂
Thanks so much, Izzy! 😀 <3 I can't believe how QUICKLY this year has flown by!! <3 Hope you're enjoying a lovely December!!
<3 <3
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Wow I could stare at your pictures all day, what a beautiful place to live 🙂 December is such a funny month. It’s all about spending time with loved ones but it’s also the most stressful because there are so many extra get-togethers, shopping lists to conquer and holiday festivities to take part in; it’s hard to manage it all!! I’ll take your advice and walk it out to stay centered haha.
Happy Monday Ceara!
Thanks so much, Shannon! You are spot on! December is such a stressful yet exciting month at the same time! Hope you are enjoying a lovely December!
It’s December 1st and I already feel like I’m a million miles behind. At the same time, I’m trying to be mindful of enjoying each moment of the holidays and to take a lot of time to experience simple things, like walking through the light display at our local botanic garden. It’s all about balance, and learning to say no so you don’t go crazy. 🙂
I know how you feel, Linda! I’m also trying my best to stay mindful and in the moment! Helps to keep things in perspective 😀 I love the idea of walking through the beautiful light display at your local botanical gardens – sounds lovely! Hope you are enjoying a lovely December!
I think it can be so easy to get overwhelmed at this time of year, but I like to remind myself of what this time of year is all about.
Love the pictures. I am going to be in Brussels in January 🙂
How fun that you’re coming to Brussels in January?! Let me know if you are free to meet up for a coffee or a Belgian waffle when you’re in town! 🙂
The holidays can be so happy and stressful at the same time. Love that you find ways to stay focused and centered 🙂 And wow, these photos are breathtaking!
Thanks so much Kelly! Ghent is a beautiful city! Hope you are having a great December so far 🙂
Oh just love the holiday spirit, and the photos are just breath taking what a lovely view 🙂 !
Great job managing to stay focused Ceara, it has been hard for me with the holiday season approaching 🙂 But yeah, if something doesn’t get done, I try not to stress too much, just do what I can! Beautiful pictures!
I definitely feel the hustle and bustle of the holiday season already! I can’t believe that it’s already December 1st, and I know this month is just going to fly by! I love your idea of getting outside for a walk or to take a breather. And your pictures are gorgeous! I wish I had that view to walk by everyday, but for now, I’ll just settle for your instagram pics! 🙂 Have a great Monday, Ceara!
I know! This year seriously FLEW by!! Thanks for the kind words, Gayle!!! Hope you are enjoying a lovely December!
I have finally learned that if something doesn’t get done…..like sending out Christmas cards or if the lights don’t get up….it’s ok! That’s how we destress, by giving permission to not be perfect. Lovely photo’s! I actually had the pleasure of being in Holland during the Christmas season and had a blast. I loved looking over all the Christmas ornaments (I’m an ornate addict) And couldn’t believe people actually bought their dogs into all the dept. stores!!! Made me laugh.
You are so right, Linda! I love your advice in not always striving for perfection! It’s just not worth it sometimes 😉 And thanks for the kind words, Ghent is a lovely city! Hope you’re enjoying a lovely December so far!