The Spark Newsletter: Festivities, Families, & Feuds

The Spark Newsletter: Festivities, Families, & Feuds

Festivities, Families, & Feuds

The holiday season is upon us! For many, the next few weeks are filled with a mixture of excitement, stress, joy, and even a bit of dread. Years come and go all too fast. Before we know it, the holidays will be finished and the new year will be in full swing. So, why not take a moment, now, and really do what we can to avoid family feuds and increase festivities.

 

This year, I am making a pact to myself to prepare differently for the holidays. Right now, I am getting my mind, body, and spirit ready for the whirlwind of the next few weeks. Rather than just "get through" the next month, I want to savor every moment and most important, I want to feel peace---which means minimal stress. This is a special time of year---

You are in charge of how meaningful this season is for you! 



Minimize Holiday Family Stress 

Whether it is with friends or family, tis' the season for gatherings. Our tolerance and patience is always tested by that "one" family member during the holidays. Perhaps you challenge your family and friends similarly with your quirky ways or particular requests. Regardless, it is normal to feel some stress and experience conflict. 

This year, take the time to prepare for how to deal with difficult encounters with family and friends. When you get into the right mindset, manange expectations, and be patient with yourself, you will feel less tension when faced with that uncomfortable holiday situation. 


Maximize Fun Festivities

To prepare myself for a festive holiday, I returned to my roots. My family tradition includes a lot of old-time songs, dancing, singing, and quirky fun.  I made a video compilation of the holiday things that make me smile. For me, my husband, cats, and an invitation to dance always put me in the spirit of Christmas. Now, every time I feel a little "out of spirit," I turn on this video and in seconds I find my holiday spirit. Get yourself in the mood for the holidays by finding the things that make you feel festive. Watch my video below and learn other tips for getting into the holiday spirit. 


Remember the Real Gifts

 

Photo Credit: I Am Pawso/Light Your Sparkle; Do not reproduce

As I launch the I Am Pawso children's book, I have been thinking a lot about my childhood. Holidays were always chaotic at my childhood home. But holidays aren't just about gifts and gatherings. The holidays are also about counting blessings and finding gratitude in the things that brought you to this end of year occasion. Even amid the chaos, when you look closely, there are always things for which to be grateful. 


Thank you for subscribing to The Spark.

 


My name is Casey Hersch. I am a licensed clinical social worker and founder of LightYourSparkle.Com.  When I created the Light Your Sparkle community, the connections between childhood trauma and autoimmune disease inspired me. Several years later, my mission to bring awareness to these connections remains even as I expand this community to include anyone who seeks hope, perspective, companionship, and empowerment. 

 

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