Hello friends! Can you believe we are already in December??? 2020 has been a DOOZY and has turned everything completely upside down. People are really craving some sort of normalcy and happiness in their lives. This year I noticed many folks were getting a jump start on that Christmas cheer. November 1st, the skeletons and jack-o-lanterns made way for the twinkling lights and Christmas wreaths. Several local Christmas tree farms even opened early and those with artificial trees couldn't wait to put them on display. Turns out, getting into the holiday spirit is a great way to feel more positive in a world that has felt so unsettling over the last several months. With shutdowns and social distancing we have also been forced to slow down. The theme this season is a return to the simplicity of the holiday.
This year, I challenge you to let go of expectations. Let go of the expectations of the ghosts of Christmas past. When you are able to let go of expectations, you are able to focus on the differences that are good. But this has to come from within you, no one can make a mindset shift for you.
You have to be ready to embrace the change and make the most of the situation we are in. Are you with me? Here are a couple of good things about a Socially Distant Christmas:
More time. Finally MORE time. Less rushing. Take time to read a book, take time to search independent stores for perfect gifts (avoid amazon!), take time to watch old movies, take time to bake some cookies.
Peace & Calm. Yes, we love a good party, with lots going and lots of people around us.. but peace & calm is a great time to recharge and re-energize.
Save a little money. No parties, no work secret santas, no theatre trips etc, you will be saving a fair few pennies. Which in the current situation, is probably helpful.
HYGGE:
Have you ever heard of Hygge? If you have not heard of Hygge, then I have a treat for you! Hygge (pronounced hoo-guh) is a Danish word for the feeling of being cozy, content, and enjoying the small things in life. There isn’t an exact definition because it’s a feeling you get. The word hygge originally came from Norway. It’s translation loosely meant well-being. The Danish adopted the word as their own and they embody the hygge lifestyle. Danes are among the happiest people in the world and they attribute their happiness in part to hygge!!
So today I am going to share with you some great Hygge traditions so you can really slow down and enjoy the simple things with your family.
Much like mindfulness and an attitude of gratitude, Hygge it is an outlook on life that focuses on simple pleasures and taking the time to cultivate more of them in your life. It’s when you give your body, mind and spirit a rest and enjoy the good things in life, like a sunrise or sunset, reading a book in front of crackling fire, taking the time to savor a delicious mug of coffee or tea, and spending time with loved ones in a comfortable setting.
Instead of living your life on autopilot, hygge is a way of life that makes sure you live your life in a way that brings deep contentment to your soul.
Sometimes the outer things in life (money, power, achievements) aren’t the things that will make us happy. A hygge life encourages us to look at what truly brings us joy and it to make sure we include those things in our days.
Hygge Christmas Idea #1 – Christmas camping.
Let your little ones sleep under the Christmas tree in sleeping bags. Turn out all the lights except for the glow of the tree.
You can read your children their favorite Christmas stories!
Hygge Christmas Idea #2 – Holiday dishes.
A fun holiday tradition is to have a set of Christmas-themed dishes to use starting December 1st until Christmas. You could either get an entire set of the same kind of dishes, or you can piece your holiday table settings together by picking up individual pieces at thrift stores.
Hygge Christmas Idea #3 – Matching pajamas.
Celebrate being a family by getting everyone matching pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve. Also if you have not seen the Christmas Jammies video on You Tube check it out!
Hygge Christmas Idea #4 – Ornaments with history
Picture yourself 10 years from now pulling out your masked gingerbread man ornament and saying, oh yes, 2020. That was QUITE the year.
I love absolutely love Christmas ornaments! Every year we have so much fun unpacking them and taking a trip down memory lane. Each ornament tells a story and takes on a life of it's own. Every year we add new ornaments to the tree. To add to the story, I like to get ornaments that represent a new passion or interest, relevant world events, personal or professional milestones, and ongoing or new tradition ornaments.
Hygge Christmas Idea # 5– Holiday windows.
Put each family member in charge of decorating one window in your home. Hold a contest where you give prizes out for the most creative one.
They can either decorate the window, or if there’s a window ledge that can be where the holiday display is created.
Hygge Christmas Idea #6 – Secret Santa
Place all your family member names in a bowl and each person draws a name and becomes his or her secret Santa.
The idea is to do nice things for the person you drew without being caught. On Christmas Eve, everyone takes a guess who his or her secret santa is and then they are revealed during dinner.
Hygge Christmas Idea #7 – Movie night.
Designate one day to be a magical Christmas movie marathon extravaganza. Have everything ready to get comfortable and watch all the classic movies we have all come to love.
Set up a hot chocolate bar, have piles of blankets ready, pizza ready to go in the oven and lots of pillows for everyone to settle in and enjoy the day.
Hygge Christmas Idea #8 – Gone, but not forgotten.
Place the pictures of loved ones in small frames and place on the fireplace mantel. You can add a bit of evergreen around the pictures to symbolize eternal life.
You could also put photos in small frames and hang them on the Christmas tree.
Tell your children Christmas stories of your loved ones, so their memories continue to live on in future generations.
Hygge Christmas Idea #9 – Christmas pickle.
OK, lets talk about the pickle ornament.....They are surprisingly popular and I always assumed the pickle was a quirky hipster ornament like avocado toast, or bacon. Well my mind was actually blown when I learned the pickle ornament carries a long-running tradition in many parts of the country. It's possible that I am the last one to know about the pickle tradition, but in case you have also been in the dark on this one...... According to legend, the pickle ornament is hidden somewhere on the tree on Christmas Eve, and the first person to find it gets good luck for a year, and they also get to open the first present on Christmas Day. Some versions of the story say whoever finds the pickle gets a special extra present as a pickle-finding bonus.
Hygge Christmas Idea #10– Natural decor.
Using natural elements to create a beautiful, cozy space during the holiday season is huge for 2020. Nature inspired colors with vibrant greens. Old craftsmanship is being revived. Lots of dried flowers, seed bulbs, bark and grass combined with metals. This is a very budget friendly way to decorate and with so many DIY options, it can be fun for the whole family!
I really love the idea of integrating Hygge traditions into my family’s holiday season. This year seems like the perfect year to be able to fully engage in this process. I wish you all Peace, Love and safety during this holiday season and I will see you on your mat soon!!! Namaste— Cassy