8 Tips to Be Present and Live the Best Holiday time

I remember this was my favorite season of the year when I was a child. Christmas!

Family reunion, great food with no restrictions on sweets, and lots of presents!

It is a season of traditions, and to this day, I still find it absolutely amazing, with the feeling of love and the hope of a better life.

So why are we feeling so much pressure and stress during this season?

Looks like a rush in time.

Can we stop a little bit?

What if we don't have the perfect pictures to send the Christmas cards?

What if we don't have the perfect presents wrapped for the teachers?

What if we don't have the perfect Christmas decorations in the house?

We are rushing so much this season. Can we stop and live the moment a bit and be more present? Like listening to each other from the heart and giving time to each other.

Christmas can't be all about presents!

I asked my little girl why she likes Christmas, and she answered, "Presents!"

Well, I'm still trying to figure out what to do about it! She is really excited about Santa bringing all the presents she is asking for.

We can't do much about this but live the traditions of your family day by day, like writing a letter to Santa, not only asking for presents but maybe including a reflection on the year. Have a series of holiday movies to watch this season, and go to a Christmas market! We are thinking of going to NYC and seeing the giant Christmas tree!

These moments can be valid and create great memories?if?you are present, living fully in the moment.

Let me tell you one thing: Being present at the moment is a choice.

It is your decision how you want to show up for your family and your children.

Sometimes it is about having the courage to eliminate the noise and distractions around you and focus on the things that matter. According to an HBR survey, the most important thing for adults this season is "spending quality time with family."

So please live it according to your values and your desired memories.

Here are 8 tips to be present and live the best holiday's time:

1. Acknowledge the distractions and what is going on in your life. Park them while you are living the moment with your family. Like, Christmas texts can be done another time.
2. No social media. Leave the cute posts for after. Pictures, yes, post no.
3. Actively listen.
4. Leave the chores for tomorrow. You can leave a pile of dishes in the sink. They'll be there when family time is over.
5. Bring fun. You don't have to plan elaborate activities, and you can find plenty of family game ideas online. Have fun! Participate in the activities!
6. Acknowledge how important it was to be there and share your feeling with the family. Don't assume your family knows.
7. Set up a friendly out-of-office alert at your work email, and let your team know when you are offline.
8. Turn notifications off on your phone.

Quality time is so important, but it's one of those things that gets pushed aside for the day-to-day. You have to make an active effort to make each moment count.

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you and your loved ones all the best during this well-deserved break.

Take care

Ana Jorge

#worklifebalance #worklifeharmony #happyholidays #bepresent