It is never too late to RECLAIM your holidays
The first Christmas after my mom left my dad, I remember PURE JOY on her face as she strung outdoor lights—something he would never let her do. I won’t forget her face as she gleefully lit up our new home, and relit a warmth and certainty inside her.
That was my mom reclaiming Christmas. Reclaiming the magic.
This year, I’m baring witness to so many of my clients taking back their holiday season and I’m here to say, it’s not too late for you.
It’s my client—a young bride who grew up in a strict Christian home, donating (with a thankful heart) all of the hand-me-down religious ornaments and decor that not only do NOT bring her joy but also stir up trauma.
It’s a client who finally has her own place and is feeling serious bliss and coziness lighting many holiday scented candles—for the first time in a much-too-long time.
It’s another client saying
“We actually decided to go to Punta Cana instead of gifts. Will still get a few items for each kid but we leave … for 8 days. Excited to spend time as a family in paradise. We haven’t [done something like this before]. Honestly working together [with you] to clear our and organize the house, I realize how much we have that we don’t need.”
It’s me and my humble little family here saying, oops we didn’t get the Black Friday sale on ordering holiday cards—and you know what? We are OK with that, we are letting ourselves off the hook from this tradition because in truth our capacity to draft notes, write addresses, and mail is simply not there.
It’s giving myself permission to enjoy our fake Christmas tree. It was a happy childhood memory bundling up and picking our family tree together each year. Even as a young adult in NYC then Philly, I carried it to every apartment (true story: picture me borrowing, with consent, a shopping cart from Acme to haul home an 8-ft beauty from Urban Jungle 1.25 miles to my rented Point Breeze townhouse).
I decided I was ready to let go of the yearly growing expense of a freshly cut tree, to say goodbye to the allergies I’d trudge through once the tree was inside, and to give up the black-and-white idea that it wasn’t really Christmas if the tree was fake. (Omg plus side the setup, cleanup, and lack of maintenance with watering make it much simpler and you know I’m all about that.)
This season is meant to be about magic, connection, joy, generosity. Remembering what’s truly important (and that can mean different things to different people).
I like to say to clients, “Your home. Your family. Your rules.”
So, you can let go of what no longer serves you from childhood, from societal pressure, from social media comparisons, from what you think you SHOULD be doing (it’s OK to not go to every single holiday event), etc.
You deserve to feel safe, warm, loved in your own home, with your own people. Safeguard your family’s holiday bliss this season by reclaiming the big and little things that mean so much to you and letting go of anything that is getting in the way.
I have recommendations for some incredible therapists who can help work through Trauma and firming up your boundaries to protect yourself. And lean on your partner, your best friend, your village—you can still turn this holiday season around if you’ve strayed from your values or priorities.
I’m rooting for you. And remember to put me on your holiday wishlist, and share with friends that Consciously Cleared and Contained offers gift cards and makes a delightful and welcomed present.
Book your free call to talk more about your home and how I can partner with you to declutter and get organized: https://calendly.com/consciouslyclearedandcontainedllc/freecall