Making the Holidays Feel Actually Holy

It's not exactly like someone is riding a horse around town yelling, "the holidays are coming, the holidays are coming!" But it's not exactly NOT like that, either. If you're already feeling stressed about the uptick of social activity and demands on your time for the next six weeks, here's a three-part invitation to put it into some yoga postural perspective, keeping the days "holy" and your mood balanced:

DOWN-DOG with buying just to buy: If you're a gift giver, find ways to honor your people with meaning above materialism. Handmade cards or crafts are personal and lovely; donations to someone's favorite cause will spread your love where it's needed most; experiences last forever, even if they can't be enjoyed together (my favorite holiday gift story comes from a student whose aging, homebound mother told her that her desire for Christmas was for the daughter to go do something fun with the grandchildren, and then have a special visit afterward with Grandma to tell her all about it).

Be a MOUNTAIN of metta (loving-kindness). You don't have to attend every gathering you're invited to, but when you do go, attend with a frame of mind that grows your heart. Be aware of negative thoughts as they arise, and meet them with a gentle presence that sees others with compassion and care, no. matter. what.

Śavāsana is a smart move. See above, the part that says "you don't have to attend every gathering." Rest is a reliable gateway to wellness, and when nature is telling us with her whole being to slow down, turn inward, and store up strength and energy for a season, know that saying "no (thank you)" is sometimes the best self-care you can do.