Wherever you are in the world, or what you celebrate or how or who this time of year has a big energetic impact on all of us!

I live in Toronto but my family is in the Eastcoast, I also have my partner's amazing GIANT Italian family here plus the people I have chosen to make family all around me. It can be a difficult time to try and make everyone happy

ESPECIALLY YOURSELF! So going into the Holidazeee (as I like to call them!) here are some things I like to remember and offer to you to help you stay grounded and maybe, MAYBEEEE even get a break

1. You don't owe anyone anything

We put a lot of pressure on the need to make other people happy during this time of year. But you don't owe anyone anything! Expectations that are crazy high are often the ones we create for ourselves, so when you're killing yourself to see the extra person, buy the extra gift or whatever it is just exhaleeeee.

2. If it doesn't feel GOOD to give, maybe.... don't!

Giving doesn't really count if it's full of labour, resentment or an "I have to" approach. Now I understand family dynamics for each of us are weird and wonderful and come with their own sets of history and feelings. BUT if you are buying a gift or wrapping one and it is wrapped up in fury...check in with yourself about that. Remember...you don't owe anyone anything and just because it's " _______" doesn't change that.

3. Tradition vs. Obligation

This one is tricky! I love traditions because they really can bring people together and create a reason to meet and gather and join in community. But if your family has a tradition that isn't resonating with you anymore, maybe consider creating something new. I believe we all need room to grow and it can be hard to ask those around you to evolve traditions when they seem perfectly happy but if you have lots of love and positive intentions you can figure it out. For example, I actually really don't celebrate New Years. As I wrote when I was first on Steem.. for me it happens in September and during Winter Solstice I feel a sort of renewal but actual "New Years" is my least favourite. I like to be home, not dressed up and very chill OR I work and perform and don't party or anything. Work and home. So some friends don't call me for New Year's plans- and that is A-OK with me!

4. Vacation

For me vacation is mental rest, quiet time, non social activities. SO the opposite of my Holidazeee routines! When I discovered that it helped me a lot to not call my Holidaze "vacation". They are very FUN and ACTIVE but not restful and that's okay. That's why I make sure to carve out some days before or after to give me the VACAYYYYY feeling so I can soak up all of my family and friends and social activities I also loveeeee

5. Do Not Disturb

I'm a huge fan of DO NOT DISTURB on my phone. In fact I have ALL notifications turned off of my phone so that when I do check my phone I am making a fully conscious choice. I have timers set to not be apps longer than 30 minutes a day and even with Steem I have had to make sure that I make my time on here only when I can actually be present! I don't want to half ass connection, online or in real life! SO...for your Holidazeee maybe put that phone on Do Not Disturb, in the other room, away from your nightstand, leave it at home or whatever will help you be present with the people in front of you. If you have important online time- same thing. Be unavailable to those around you and give that online time what it deserves. Conscious living!

Happy HOLIDAAAAZEEEEEE my friends. More Barbara-Anne updates to come, Partiko Party updates and I CAN'T wait to get my butt back in gear on Dtube!!!!

xo
K