Beth and I grew up in Michigan. As a proud Michigander let me name a few of our distinguishing features:
1. Michigan is the only state in the nation comprised of two peninsulas
2. Because the lower peninsula of Michigan is shaped like a mitten, your hand makes a nifty map to explain where the various cities are situated in the state.
3. Michigan is surrounded by four of the five great lakes: Superior, Huron, Michigan, and Erie.
4. Michigan not only has the longest freshwater coastline in the US but 90% of the Upper Peninsula is covered in trees.
5. It’s no wonder that “those in the know” rank Michigan as the 8th most beautiful state in the nation.
Did I also mention it can be quite chilly (aka: crazy cold) there? Nobody believes this but it’s a true story. When I was a kid, one year it snowed on my birthday. Not much, just a few flakes. My birthday is June 10th.
Michigan’s November temperatures range from the 40s during the day and 20s at night, while December temperatures drop to highs in the mid-30s and lows in the teens.
But growing up there I loved it, especially during the holiday season.
Traditionally Thanksgiving dinner was served early evening. It would be so cold outside, but we were warmed by the great meal on the table shared by our extended family.
And of course, by Christmas, we were almost guaranteed to have a thick layer of snow on the ground, gray skies, and a wicked north wind.
It was weather that could be brutal, but it was these winters that I’d grown accustomed to. We worked as a family to work through these winters safely and because of that we grew closer and created great memories.
And then I moved to Austin where the temperature in late fall and through most of the winter hovers around mid-60s with lows in the high 40s.
No North wind, no huddling together around the fire, and very little family.
After moving to Austin, it took me a while (years if I’m honest) for me to feel at home. The weather didn’t help. At holiday time it was more fitting to have BBQ and potato salad while sitting at a picnic or patio table as opposed to huddling around the fireplace sipping mugs of hot cocoa.
This change was challenging for me.
What about you? How do you find the feeling of the Holidays when something or someone you love is missing?
Sometimes it’s really hard, especially if this has been a year of profound sadness or change in your life. Have you moved to a new city? Or maybe someone dear to you is unwell. Are the kids not coming home this year? Have you left your old comfortable house for a new one that still feels just a bit cold?
Sad things happen. This blog post is dedicated to delivering a few tips meant to bring you good tidings during the holiday season and beyond.
But make no mistake, if you’re feeling truly blue, depressed, or in any way out of sorts, don’t rely just on this post to help you feel better. It might be time to talk to a professional. It could make all the difference in the world.
NINE TIPS TO PUT THE HAPPY BACK IN HOLIDAYS
Exercise, diet, hydration, and sleep – We’re starting our list with the one bundle we already know. Regardless of mood or mindset, we will want to keep to our exercise routine, and diet, keep that water bottle near us, and get plenty of sleep (without oversleeping.) It all makes sense– our regular good habits keep us feeling our best during the rest of the year. It only makes sense these four keystone habits would make a positive contribution when we’re feeling a bit more fragile.
Don’t be shy about acknowledging your feelings - It's normal to feel sadness or grief during the holidays when facing significant life changes. Allow yourself to experience these emotions without judgment from yourself or others.
Think about creating new traditions. Of course, you’ll want to maintain some of your comforting old traditions, but being open to creating new ones that fit your current situation is not only healthy but can also be fun. By creating new traditions, you might just find new sources of joy.
It’s probably not a good idea to isolate yourself - But I would say isolation is defined differently by different personalities. What looks like isolation to me might be very different for you. With that said, reach out and connect when you feel you need to. Don’t isolate when you know reaching out is healthier and will possibly bring you some relief. Your good friends and family are your support group; let them help you.
Limit Social Media Exposure: Social media can truly be a problem when you’re feeling a little blue. It tends for most of us to amplify feelings of isolation by showcasing “picture perfect” moments – especially around the holidays. And if it’s not social media for you, any activity (for example solitaire, old movies, romance novels, overeating, etc.) that can leave you feeling lonely, isolated, or simply sad is counterproductive.
Set realistic expectations - This can be a tough one for me. Expectations have gotten me in emotional trouble time and again. It might be wise this holiday period to realize that the holidays may not be perfect, and that's okay. Keep your expectations in check to avoid disappointment.
Be flexible with plans - If you've moved or are going through a divorce, be open to adjusting your holiday plans. Most of us no longer have young kids at home. You’ll have to “roll with the punches” so to speak and keep your emotions in check as you set holiday plans. If you’ve moved, spend time exploring your community even if that means going solo. It’s also smart to have a “Plan B” just in case some of your adventures don’t work out.
“Plan B” – And speaking of “Plan B,” my older sister told me years ago to always plan activities when you know your life is uncertain and feels unsettled. Leave nothing to chance. Develop a full plan that keeps you occupied. Having plans can distract from feelings of loneliness. That piece of advice has served me well.
Keep your focus on what matters: If there was ever a time to make YOU your top priority, this is that time. Focus on activities and traditions that are most meaningful to you. It's okay to let go of obligations that don't bring you joy.
So there you have it. We hope this post was helpful and that life surprises you with more joy during the holidays than you expected. ❤️❤️
Very helpful. Many people are talking about holiday blahs this year. I'm doing some baking and decorations, but not pressing myself to be jolly...just savor a few seasonal things and friends.