A Yogic Approach to Christmas: Finding Peace, Balance, and Joy After 50
As the holidays approach, I find myself reflecting on the mix of emotions this season often brings.
Finding peace amidst the joy of being with loved ones, the warmth of traditions, and the simple beauty of a twinkling Christmas tree can be challenging.
Let’s face it—there’s also stress.
For many of us women over 50, it’s not just about hosting dinners or shopping for gifts; we’re balancing family dynamics, making sure we take care of ourselves, and adjusting to how the holidays feel different as we get older.
One idea that’s helped me is the practice of embracing the present moment—a concept beautifully explored by Toni Packer and shared by Joan Tollifson in The Ecstasy of What Is.
This article on Stillness Speaks dives into how releasing the need to control or perfect the moment can open us to a deeper sense of calm and presence. Read more here.
Over the years, I’ve also found that applying yoga philosophy helps me navigate the season with more grace and ease.
These principles, which have guided me in so many ways, are especially helpful during this busy time of year.
Finding Stillness to Finding Peace In The Holiday Bustle
If your holiday season is anything like mine used to be, it can feel like an endless race. There are gifts to buy, meals to plan, decorations to hang, and family members to accommodate. It’s easy to lose ourselves in the hustle and start to feel exhausted before Christmas even arrives.
This is where the yogic concept of Tapas or self-discipline comes into play. Tapas isn’t about pushing ourselves harder; it’s about focusing on what truly matters.
For me, this means practicing the discipline of saying “no” when I need to. Not everything has to get done, and it’s okay to let go of the less important tasks.
In recent years, I’ve made a conscious effort to simplify my holiday commitments. Instead of attending every holiday event or trying to make the perfect meal from scratch, I’ve set boundaries that honor my need for rest.
Tapas reminds us that self-care is not selfish. It is absolutely necessary for finding peace.
So, give yourself permission to slow down. Schedule time for quiet moments, even if it’s just five minutes of deep breathing before bed.
You’ll find that the more you simplify, the more you can actually enjoy the season.
Managing Holiday Expectations with Self-Compassion
The holidays can bring up a lot of expectations. Some of them imposed by others, and some we place on ourselves.
Many of us have spent years trying to make everything perfect for our families, and that pressure doesn’t always go away, even as our kids grow older or family traditions evolve.
But one thing I’ve learned from yoga is the importance of Ahimsa, or non-violence. While this principle usually applies to how we treat others, it’s equally important to show that same kindness toward ourselves. And in that kindness, we are actively finding peace.
We can be our own worst critics during the holidays, feeling guilty if things don’t turn out the way we envisioned or frustrated if family gatherings don’t go perfectly.
This year, try practicing Ahimsa by letting go of the need for everything to be flawless. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on creating meaningful, joyful moments.
Maybe that means letting go of certain traditions that no longer serve you, or allowing yourself to accept help when you need it. Remember, it’s not about doing it all. It’s about doing what feels right for you.
For example, I used to feel guilty about scaling back on the holiday meals. I thought I needed to cook everything from scratch to make it special. But now, I’ve let go of that pressure.
We still have wonderful meals, but I no longer stress about perfection. Sometimes, it’s a simple potluck with loved ones, and that’s more than enough.
The peace I feel when I let go of unrealistic expectations is worth it.
Staying Grounded with Family Dynamics
If there’s one thing the holidays are famous for, it’s bringing out family dynamics. Sometimes in all their messy glory.
Whether it’s unresolved tensions or just the stress of having everyone under one roof, emotions can run high during this time of year.
This is where the yogic principle of Satya, or truthfulness, has been a lifesaver for me. Satya encourages us to be honest, but in a compassionate and mindful way.
During family gatherings, it’s easy to get swept up in old patterns. Perhaps biting our tongue to avoid conflict or reacting without thinking.
But when we practice Satya, we learn to communicate more mindfully, speaking our truth with kindness and awareness.
In moments of tension, I’ve found it helpful to take a breath and ground myself before responding. It’s amazing how a few seconds of mindful breathing can help me shift from a reactive state to a more centered one.
Instead of jumping into the fray, I try to approach difficult conversations with openness and compassion, finding peace by staying true to myself without getting caught up in the drama.
A few years ago, I had a particularly challenging family dinner, where old wounds resurfaced. In the past, I might have gotten pulled into the emotional spiral. But that evening, I chose to practice Satya—both by being honest about how I felt and by maintaining compassion for others.
The evening didn’t go perfectly, but it was a far cry from the heated arguments we used to have. It’s a work in progress, but Satya has been a powerful tool for navigating family dynamics with more ease.
Moderation in All Things
The holiday season often comes with its fair share of indulgences—whether that’s in the form of food, drink, or spending. While I love a good Christmas treat as much as anyone, it’s easy to overdo it, and I’ve definitely had my fair share of post-holiday regrets.
One of the key principles of yoga, Brahmacharya, teaches us the value of moderation. This doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ourselves, but rather that we approach the season with mindfulness.
Instead of overindulging, we can savor the experiences, being fully present in the moment without feeling the need to overdo it.
Over the years, I’ve learned to listen more closely to my body and its needs during the holidays. Whether it’s being mindful of how much I eat or resisting the urge to go overboard on holiday shopping, brahmacharya has helped me find a more balanced approach.
One small trick I use is to pause and take a few deep breaths before eating or shopping. This simple act helps me reconnect with my intentions and avoid mindless indulgence, which allows me to finding peace in the process.
Finding Joy in Gratitude
Once the whirlwind of Christmas is over, it’s common to feel a bit of a letdown. The house is quieter, the festivities are done, and for many of us, the holiday season can stir up feelings of loneliness, especially if our children have grown up or family gatherings aren’t as lively as they once were.
This is where the principle of Santosha, or contentment, can be a true gift. Santosha encourages us to find peace and gratitude in the present moment, regardless of external circumstances.
It’s about appreciating what we have, rather than focusing on what’s missing.
I’ve made it a habit to start each day with a simple gratitude practice during the post-holiday lull.
Whether it’s reflecting on the small joys from the season or appreciating the quiet time to recharge, this practice has helped me shift my mindset, finding peace in the moments of stillness.
Instead of feeling down after the holidays, I focus on the moments that brought me joy.
Gratitude journaling has been a wonderful tool for this, allowing me to look back on the season with a sense of peace and fulfillment.
Letting Go of Attachment to Outcomes
The holidays are often filled with expectations, whether it’s how we hope the family dinner will go or what we imagine Christmas morning will be like. But as life changes, so do our traditions, and sometimes things don’t turn out the way we had planned.
One of the most powerful yogic principles I’ve embraced during the holidays is Aparigraha, or non-attachment. Aparigraha teaches us to let go of rigid expectations and be open to whatever the present moment offers. It’s about finding peace in the here and now, rather than clinging to what we think should happen.
I remember a Christmas a few years ago when nothing seemed to go as planned. The weather ruined our travel plans, and instead of the big family gathering we had envisioned, it ended up being a much smaller celebration.
In the past, I might have felt disappointed, but instead, I embraced the simplicity of that day. It ended up being one of the most peaceful, joyful Christmases I’ve ever had.
Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of the Season
As we move into the holiday season, I invite you to consider how the wisdom of yoga can help you navigate the challenges that come with it.
Whether it’s practicing self-compassion, staying grounded in family dynamics, or finding peace in the present moment, these principles offer us a way to experience the holidays with more balance and ease.
Remember, the holiday season doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. By embracing simplicity, mindfulness, and compassion, you can create a season that nourishes your mind, body, and spirit.
How will you bring yoga into your holidays this year?
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