Christmas came and went. Okay for some it goes on until February 2nd, while the activities have for the most part come and gone. What is left for some is fatigue. I call it "festival fatigue." Trying to do it all.
My advice comes out of my own life experience when I tell you that less is more. Children need a mom who is present and cheerful far more than they need another event to celebrate, for daily life is truly the celebration.
That the sun rises and sets and shines each day is something to celebrate. The wonder of clouds floating by is something to celebrate. Snowflakes falling. Snow on the ground. A cup of warm tea on a cold day. A candle with dinner. Holding hands with family before dinner to sing a song of gratitude.
We are surrounded by beauty and have so much to celebrate each day, in the simplest way.
Some words I wrote nearly to the day on January 12, 2011:
"If you have time to do the laundry, prepare the meals, do the dishes, clean up after, sleep adequately and go outside everyday and still have time leftover, then take up the celebrations. Otherwise, just light a candle with meals and celebrate being together, being sane and having quiet moments." If you'd like to read more, it's here.
Mamas, we all strive and struggle and want to create conditions for our children to have the very best childhood. I want to remind you today, to remind yourself everyday, they do. They have you. And each day is a new day with something simple to celebrate. It's already there. Ease up on yourself. (I include myself here) It is not about the decorations or crafts. It is about what lives in your heart.
Take your child in your arms or on your lap, have a good snuggle or rocking time. Just be present. Be there with yourself, and your child. Play a lap game or a finger play. Tell a story from your childhood, something simple that you remember.
This really is the foundation of rhythm. Of being present in the moment. Of simplifying the activities in the day so that we (me included) can just be here in the moment.
Warmly,
I agree with you about "less is more." One of the most difficult challenges for new mothers is seeing all the ideas on Pinterest and reading about what other mothers do in terms of celebrating holidays and special events. Wanting to create these special memories for our own children, it can become easy to take on too much. Once established, children look forward to those routines and special activities. What can happen is exactly what you describe as "Festival Fatigue."
ReplyDeleteWe have cut back with some of the festivals/holidays this past year that weren't as meaningful to us. That has definitely helped lessen the feeling of fatigue.
Such good advice....I really needed it! I have had a bit of 'festival fatigue' (who knew there was a name for it!) but Im feeling the need to start fresh and start over. Thanks for this!
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