“When we create peace, and harmony, and balance in our minds. we will find it in our lives.” - Louise Hay

Christmas, New Year and the holiday season is often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year. However, for many individuals, the Christmas and New Year holidays can be quite challenging and stressful especially when it comes to relationships and money.  Relationships can be complicated, and mix in the emotions of the holidays, stress around money and the expectations of many and this complexity can grow exponentially. Whether it’s family, friends, or romantic partners, relationships during this time of year are often highly influenced by what has happened previously. There are often expectations around giving at this time of the year and when this impacts the family budget emotions often influence what we do or say when under pressure.  In this blog, we’ll be taking a closer look at all this and how what has happened in the past can affect our current situation particularly at this time of the year.

1. The Impact of Past Emotions

Our past experiences, particularly with our relationships with others can bring feelings of stress, anxiety, and even trauma especially when we gather together again during the holidays. The same applies to our feelings around money or what we feel we are expected to do. We might have old unresolved disagreements, resentments, or negative experiences from previous gatherings and experiences. All of these can resurface and cause emotional upheaval and anxiety. We can find ourselves in a constant struggle to balance the love and support we desire with emotions that are less than pleasant. It is essential to take a good look at what we are carrying and check-in with ourselves before attending family gatherings.

2. The Burden of Expectations

The holidays come with a considerable load of expectations that can weigh us down and affect our relationships. We have expectations regarding gifts, events, and time spent with significant others, family, and friends. When expectations are not met, disappointments and frustrations can arise leading to tension in our relationships. We may also find it challenging to meet the expectations of others and to assess how we want to spend our time and money. To manage these expectations, we need to communicate clearly, be honest with ourselves and others, and make reasonable commitments.

3. Communication and Boundaries

Good communication is essential in any relationship, but it’s crucial during the holiday season. Communication during this time is not always easy because of the heightened emotions and often volatile interactions. It is essential to listen openly to what others are saying, and communicate our own thoughts and feelings, all while maintaining respectful boundaries. Setting boundaries is essential and while designed to help protect our own well-being and sanity, it stops mixed messages being a problem. A boundary can be something as simple as knowing when to say no to certain invitations or plans that don’t fit into our schedule.

4. Letting go of the past and Forgiveness

The holidays provide an excellent opportunity to let go of past hurt and cultivate forgiveness to mend relationships affected by past events. We should be aware that forgiveness does not necessarily mean forgetting the past or reconciling with someone who has wronged us. Instead, forgiveness involves releasing the negative emotional charge we feel towards someone and being willing to see them in a new light.  Cultivating forgiveness can be a liberating experience and can positively impact our current relationships.

5. Self-Care and Kindness

Finally, during this season, it is easy to get caught up in the demands of others and put ourselves last. However, self-care is essential during the holidays and helps us maintain our overall well-being. Self-care, in this case, can mean carving out alone time, getting enough rest, doing something that brings us joy or pleasure, or seeking professional help or support when we need it. Furthermore, kindness goes a long way in any relationship. Small gestures, such as a hug, a compliment, or even a simple thank you can go a long way in building positive relationships.

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 The holidays can be challenging, but they can also be a wonderful opportunity to strengthen and heal our relationships. It is also a time to learn more about ourselves and understand that we get to choose what happens in these moments.  As we navigate this complicated holiday season, let us remember that what has happened in the past does not have to dictate our current interactions. Instead, this can be time for us to practice good communication, set boundaries, cultivate forgiveness, practice self-care, and offer kindness to those around us. Ultimately, by focusing on building meaningful, positive relationships, we can create a warm, joyous, and memorable holiday season.

Releasing the old negative emotions around the past experiences and relationships we feel are holding us back is helpful.  It allows us to completely and fully release the charge around those moments and work toward having a different relationship with money, people, expectations and more. 

If anything in this blog post resonates with you and you would like to release the old negative emotions holding you back from your best life, get in touch. 

I am running a 7 day refresh leading up to Christmas.  You can start this anytime and it is all done by email so you can choose the time you spend on it.  I guarantee it will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on anything!  Suitable for all, and it is free.  Register here

If you have any questions about this blog or are ready to look at how you would benefit from a more connected mind, body and soul, get in touch.

In a 30-minute complimentary clarity call, we can discuss all of this.  You can book this here.