Oh, the holidays! Fa la la la la. Such fun, so festive, a time of celebration! Or, as it’s known in my world, HOLY SHIT ARE THERE REALLY ONLY 10 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS???????
The fact that the past year has been a complete blur isn’t really surprising to me. However, the fact that we’re 18 days away from the new year is shocking. Where has all the time gone? And now it’s the holidays! Do I have a tree? Nope. Gifts purchased? About 5 percent of what I need to get. Holiday plans? Not-a-one, unless “sleep until noon every day” counts.
While I feel as though I have been going non-stop for as long as I can remember, there is good news ahead – I am going to try to take two weeks “off”. My own stay-cation, to rest, relax, catch up on books, magazines, movies, video games, etc. In other words, to do nothing.
I know that some people get all anxious when they don’t have any plans and find themselves with little to do but stay home for an extended period of time. Not me – most likely because those opportunities are such rare occurrences. I cannot wait to cozy up in my apartment and settle in to the holiday season with a little rest and relaxation (and mulled wine). I didn’t even have two weeks off when I got married (in England, mind you!) – I honestly can’t remember the last time I had the luxury of so much free time.
Of course, being the over-scheduled, type-A gal that I am, part of me is thinking I should make a list of things to do over the holiday break. “Read 10 magazines. Organize photos. Rediscover the gym. Improve Angry Birds ranking. Catch up on Gossip Girl“. But for once in my life, I am resisting this temptation. Yes, I have a ridiculous amount of home projects and life things to do — but all that I’m putting on my to-do list is “Go With The Flow.”
To be honest, I’m not sure how I will react to this. Maybe it will be exhilarating, just to take things as they come. On the other hand, when I’m getting ready to go back to work on Jan. 3, will I panic over how little I did and how much I still have to do – and who knows when the opportunity for some down time will come again?
We shall see – but I hope to enter the new year with a new perspective, a focus on balance, and a resolution to just relax.
Ho ho ho!
Good for you, Laura! I hope your stay-cation is satisfying and that you greet the New Year with excitement at the coming year after a nice rest.
All best,
Anne