Welcome to Blogmas 2022 + The 3 Things That Almost Stole The My Holiday Joy
Hi guys, long time no see. If you have been reading Uncommonly Queen recently its been a while since I’ve posted. I’ve been dealing with life and trying to hone in on one passion. I’ve been spending time in the gym, resting and taking care of my health. However I still love writing and wanted to jump back into blogging by doing Blogmas.
What is Blogmas?
Blogmas is an annual challenge that requires bloggers to publish one blog post per day with a holiday theme throughout the month of December. There is also an option to post every other day or every day from December 14th-25th comprising the 12 days of Christmas. Here on the blog I plan to post every other day from December 1st to December 25th. My goal this year is to help you reclaim your holiday joy and move through the season with grace and peace.
I started this pre-holiday season not really in the mood for the all the joy and cheer. I really wanted to just snuggle in my bed for the season , drink hot cocoa and read black girl fiction. But as turkey day rolled around and the family began to pour in and invites to gatherings began to fill my calendar I started to feel an ounce of joy. And I’m riding this ounce of joy until the wheels fall off. As I create new moments and memories with my family and friends the joy grows a little more. So if your already having a tough time this holiday season I am here for you. My goal on the blog this season is to provide tips to cultivate your own holiday cheer, stay with in your budget when giving, giving back, and taking care of the one and only you. Check back every other day if you need support to make it through the season.
The 3 things that almost ruined the holidays for me.
Exhaustion
Once the time change hit so did the exhaustion and the never ending desire to be snuggled up in my bed watching movies or reading books recommended by #BookToc. For some reason once it starts getting dark earlier and the temperature drops I want to be a bear and hibernate. So when I began to think about the holiday I began to get discouraged. I didn’t have the energy.
Perfectionism
I wanted my holiday to be perfect. Instagram worthy decorations and YouTube worthy shop with me’s. However My life is not that aesthetic. I have my bougie black girl days but they are not all social media perfect. Perfectionism really tried to choke out my holiday. Because things were not how I wanted them at the moment I rejected all of the good things. This is before the season all began. I had to remind myself that even if things are not exactly how I imagine each experience is still a blessing. I have to remember that there are people who are enjoying life with way less than I have. Because it isn’t perfect does not mean it can be great.
Overwhelm
Just thinking of what was yet to come for the month of November and December gave me pause. Not only are there multiple holidays but birthdays, not to mention my own. I didn’t think I had what it takes to make it successfully through the season. All I could think about is the amount of money…geesh. I have 9 nieces and nephews, and 4 siblings, and 1 living parent. Not mention Secret Santa’s and friends. Whew. I know I should have started earlier but I didn’t. So here I am trying to figure it all out.
The one thought that changed it all for me. While sitting with my cousin chatting during our Thanksgiving visit she reminded me that whatever I do this season should be from the heart. This one piece of advice let me know that the season is not about how many events I make it to, how much money I spend or how big I can make my birthday celebration but it should be about showing my love and gratefulness, giving grace and pacing myself. As I drove home from her home I started thinking about all the things I loved about the holiday season, the small things that I enjoy. I also thought about my budget in a realistic way. I was tempted to hide in the house all season but my cousin invited me to go out on Black Friday and check out the sales. I went, had a great time, checked some kids off the list and even got a birthday present for myself. I felt the weight lift off of my shoulders and I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. I stopped making things harder, and bigger than they needed to be and I gave myself a mission for the season… enjoy the small things like snuggling up listening to holiday jazz and reading, going to free events around town with the kidos, and only participating in events when I have the energy. But most of all be grateful and whatever I do I should do it from my heart.
Have you experienced any overwhelm this holiday season? How did you over come? Leave a comment and share with your best work friend who hasn’t decorated her cubicle or office yet.
