8 Questions to Contemplate in Designing Your Ideal Holiday Season

Do you feel rushed heading into the holiday season, not having the time for what matters most to you?  Do you ever come out the other side feeling exhausted or stretched financially? Do you long for a different way to celebrate that honours your health, happiness and wallet?

Ideal HolidayYou might be wondering why I’m talking about holidays already. Well, they are right around the corner, and because I want to do them differently this year – which means looking at them ahead of time. I’m planting this seed in your heart too so you can decide for yourself how they will unfold in your world.

In the past few years, I’ve worked right up to Christmas, had my accounting books to do right before New Year’s and just felt rushed. Baking (which is something I love) has been last minute. And what always gets shortchanged for me are more things that bring deeper meaning to the holidays.

We live in a truly abundant world – and yet, we need to call forth abundant experiences, or else they slip on by.

To help you, here are 8 questions to contemplate as you design your ideal Holiday Season.

1. What are the qualities you want to experience?

It’s easy to get caught up in plans or activities. Start first with the feeling. How do you want to feel as you flow through the holidays? What are the qualities you want to embrace? Peace? Fun? Connection? Purpose? Abundance? Wellness? Magic?

2. What are the most important elements of the holiday season for you?

Once you know how you want to feel, then it’s easier to decide the most important elements. For example, if peace is a quality you want to experience, then avoid jamming your calendar with activities. If fun is your desire, make sure you plan activities that are fun for you. If connections are important, brainstorm who you want to connect with and how you can do so in meaningful ways.

3. What’s a tradition that you long for?

Perhaps this is something new to you, or one from your childhood.This year, I want to bring more music into my world. Christmas concerts were such an important part of my childhood that I want to reconnect with the magic of music. What about you? What tradition do you long for? And think outside the box. Is there a tradition from another family or religion you’d like to adopt?

4. What do you feel pressure to have or do during the holidays that you’d rather not?

Remember, this is your life. If the office Xmas party doesn’t resonate, don’t go. If you’d rather not bake all of sweet treats and then be tempted to eat them when you’ve been working so diligently to stay healthy and lean, then say no or experiment with a healthier treat. If exchanging gifts with a friend isn’t something you feel drawn to anymore, consider offering a different suggestion – like skipping the gift and arranging a fun get-together or volunteering somewhere.

5. What feels like a manageable and peaceful amount to spend financially on:

a. Gifts
b. Food
c. Decorations
d. Entertainment & Events

Deciding in advance how much you want to spend and then sticking to it brings peace and self-honour (not to mention teaching your children how to be financial responsible). I’ve noticed that many children are disconnected from what things cost. They just see what they want on TV and aren’t learning the other side of the equation. So be honest first with yourself about what amount feels do-able and then honour that. You may need to have a loving conversation with family members to let them know the beautiful boundary you are establishing around spending. That’s okay!

6. How do you want to feel after the holidays and going into 2015?

When we start with the end in mind, the path to take becomes clearer. The truth is many people get sick during the holidays and on average gain 5 to 8 lbs between Halloween and New Years. Yikes! What do you choose for yourself? Personally I want to begin 2015 feeling alive, rested, lean, energized and deeply happy and fulfilled. How about you?

7. What are the nourishing daily habits that will keep you healthy and happy?

To support your desire in #6, what are the nourishing daily habits to put in place now and honour as you move through the holidays? It’s a total disservice to your life to wait until the New Year, when health and happiness can be yours today.

Pick 1 to 3 habits to focus on. Here are some suggestions:

  • Set a morning intention.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Up your green veggies.
  • Get proper sleep.
  • Watch your sugar intake.
  • Move your beautiful body.
  • Take downtime to relax, centre and reflect.
  • Start a gratitude journal to capture what you are grateful for.

8. What support do you need?

When you ask for help, you invite others to fulfill divine roles. What a gift that is. For some of you, the holidays may be a difficult time. All the more reason to ask for support in the ways you need it most. Asking for help is a sign of self-love and strength, not weakness. Do you need someone to help with a meal? Do you need emotional support in dealing with a loss? Do you want a friend to accompany you to an event you long to go to?

Surround yourself with exactly what you need and desire this holiday. A thousand angels are ready and willing to help make it magical for you.

Love and abundance,
Paula

P.S. The above questions are great to ask family members and have them contribute ideas to your shared holiday experience!

P.P.S. What is one quality you want to bring more of into your holiday season? Share in the comments below. I’d love to hear and support you.

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About the Author

Paula Onysko is a money & business coach with 20 years of experience as a successful multi six-figure entrepreneur. Combining her corporate business background with coaching and communications expertise, Paula helps soulful entrepreneurs create more income with ease, flow and fun. She guides them to expand their money mindset, create compelling offers, message their magic and sell the soulful way. Discover how she can help you.

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