Ep. 49 Unwrap the Magic: Cultivating Joy, Peace, and Connection this Holiday Season

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I love ugly Christmas sweaters!

 Finding Happiness in Personalized Holiday Traditions

As we approach the festive season, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle, the stress of preparations, and the temptation to seek comfort in alcohol. Instead, imagine a Christmas marked by genuine joy, peace, and connection without the hangovers or regrets. In Episode 49 of the "Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast," hosts Ruby Williams and Susan Larkin delve into setting intentions to nurture and prioritize positive feelings for a holiday full of genuine warmth and happiness.

The Importance of Meaningful Activities

The highlight of this episode is Susan sharing how helping her elderly parents decorate for Christmas brings them joy, emphasizing the profound impact of engaging in activities that resonate personally. Whether it's unwrapping cherished ornaments or baking time-honored recipes, these moments breathe life into holiday traditions, reminding us of the comfort and joy they bring.

Intention-Building Exercise: Charting the Holiday Feelings

Ruby introduces an invaluable intention-setting exercise aimed at identifying the emotions or feelings you want to prioritize during the holiday season. By focusing on what you truly want to feel—like laughter, peace, quality time with family, love, and kindness—you can create memorable activities that support these emotions.

Crafting a Joy-Filled Holiday

- **Laughter**: There are countless avenues to tickle the funny bone during the holidays. Engaging in family talent shows, organizing funny costume days, playing charades, or hosting movie nights with holiday classics can all spark joy and belly-aching laughs.

- **Calm/Peace**: In the midst of the seasonal rush, finding calm is essential. Practicing gratitude, going for nature walks, indulging in mindful coloring, or even stargazing can help usher in tranquility, grounding you through the whirlwind of activities.

- **Quality Time**: Quality time is pivotal in fostering close-knit bonds. Playing board games, card games like Apples to Apples, Poetry for Neanderthals, or more family-friendly alternatives to Cards Against Humanity such as Relative Insanity, puzzle challenges, storytelling, and holiday crafts/baking can create warm, lasting memories.

Navigating Holiday Stress Without Alcohol

The holiday season can be particularly triggering for those who have chosen to live an alcohol-free lifestyle. Stress and the temptation to drink often loom large. Ruby and Susan acknowledge this reality, offering valuable reflections and strategies to cope without reaching for a drink.

Practical Stress Management Techniques

To manage holiday stress effectively, Susan suggests categorizing your tasks into four lists: do, delegate, defer, and delete. It’s crucial to focus on meaningful activities and let go of those that don't add value to your celebration. Ruby emphasizes the importance of self-care, even amid a packed schedule—taking time for yourself can make a significant difference.

By setting up a gratitude jar where family members contribute notes of appreciation, creating personalized gifts like handmade ornaments, starting a compliment circle, or initiating family or community volunteer projects, you can shift focus from stress to positive actions and connections.

Celebrating Virtually and Adapting Traditions

2023 has taught us the importance of adapting traditions to our circumstances. Ruby and Susan discuss how technology can help bridge the distance, sharing ideas for virtual holiday interactions through platforms like Zoom. Virtual Secret Santa, storytelling sessions, and online games can ensure that everyone feels included, even from afar.

Fostering Love and Kindness

For those aiming to cultivate more love during the holidays, consider activities like creating gratitude jars or giving personalized, thoughtful gifts. Appreciating and expressing gratitude fosters a nurturing environment.

Embracing Quiet Holidays

Susan's experience of spending a quieter holiday at home with her mother-in-law, who has Alzheimer's, highlights the beauty in adapting expectations. Walking, relaxing, reading, and making hot chocolate are simple yet fulfilling ways to enjoy the season's joys without the noise.

The Power of Hygge and Sensory Experiences

The concept of "hygge," which underscores coziness and contentment through presence, is introduced, with suggestions like lighting candles and enjoying nostalgic scents like pine or pumpkin spice. Engaging your senses through light, sound, scent, and touch can enhance a cozy atmosphere at home, reducing stress and fostering well-being.

Building a Supportive Community

Ruby and Susan invite listeners to join their Facebook group for continued support and interaction, especially those practicing or exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle. They also tease exciting upcoming episodes and a January challenge, fostering a sense of community and ongoing encouragement.

With these insights and reflections, you can navigate this holiday season with intention, embracing joy, peace, and connection. Tune in to the "Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast" for more tips and inspiration as we celebrate the magic and meaning of an alcohol-free Christmas.

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Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Coach Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching