Anticipation - A Holiday Challenge
I've been reading A Book That Takes Its Time - An Unhurried Adventure in Creative Mindfulness by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst. This book is full of wonderful themes, but the one that's suck with me is anticipation. In our world of instant gratification, I thought it would be fun to practice anticipation for the upcoming holidays.
So, let's dive in!
I find it interesting that in our culture we can have pretty much whatever we want whenever we want it. Can't afford that luxury purse you saw? No problem! Buy it on credit. Want to talk to someone? Easy! You have your choice of instant communication through text, email, or call (not to mention the countless other social media options). We have access to online shopping which allows us to instantly own whatever our heart desires at the touch of a button. Fast-food chains, microwave dinners, and prepackaged junk foods sell like crazy; and you can bet it has a lot to do with instant gratification!
I'm not arguing that these conveniences aren't nice. They definitely have their place and I often use them. But I'd like to persuade you that perhaps instant isn't actually good for us. Maybe waiting is the way to go. Maybe the end product isn't the only thing that matters. What if "the process" is where we actually find joy?
If you enjoy cooking, I'm sure you can relate to the joy found in making a new recipe. Planning the meal, collecting the ingredients, the sounds, smells, and sights during the cooking process, and of course, the taste of the final dish are all important moments that you'd miss if you had heated up a frozen dinner.
"Things and experiences gain value when you have to wait for them, instant gratification makes them worth less." - Harold Schweizer
My husband recently purchased me an anniversary gift. The problem is, I don't actually have it yet. Due to supply chain issues and other complications, I'm not actually sure when I'll have it in my hands. It's been hard waiting - I feel just like a little kid. But at the same time, there's been a lot of joy when the two of us imagine how we'll use it. And I know that when it finally does come, we'll appreciate it even more.
According to the book by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst, studies are showing that waiting in anticipation of something special actually triggers your brain to release more dopamine causing you to feel happier and more excited. Waiting and anticipation can be hard and take a lot of self-control. But in the end, I think there's incredible value and many more gifts to be gained in the process.
With that said, I would like to shift our focus on anticipating the holidays. I'd like to focus on mindfully welcoming the season into our homes.
Anticipating Thanksgiving -
Below are two traditions that we do every year to celebrate and anticipate Thanksgiving. My goal isn't for you to do these exact things, but to inspire you to anticipate Thanksgiving in your own way.
A few weeks before Thanksgiving I like to take a sheet of brown paper and wrap an old picture frame. I hang the frame in our kitchen and leave fall colored pencils nearby. As Caleb and I walk in and out of the kitchen we jot down things that we're thankful for. It's a fun way to visualize all the blessings we have and also to learn what the other appreciates.
Every year at my grandma's house, we go around the table before dinner and mention something that we're thankful for. Everyone tries to think of something original, not just "food" or "family" or "friends" (not that there's anything wrong with being thankful for those things); but it forces us to really look back and remember something special to be thankful for. I find myself thinking over the past year a few days before our family dinner and it helps to prepare my heart for that time.
Anticipating Christmas -
Below I created a list of Christmas activities that I am planning to do throughout the month of December. By creating a list, I am hoping to increase my anticipation as I look forward to special treats spaced throughout the month.
I typically try to save the Christmas themed activities and decorations until after Thanksgiving. I like them to be their own separate events. But feel free to start your anticipation list whenever you like and include whatever things you enjoy! This is about anticipating things that are special to YOU!
December 1st - Break out the Christmas decorations
December 2nd - Bake Christmas cookies
December 3rd - Cut our Christmas tree
December 4th - Hang Christmas lights
December 5th - Put out the nativity set
December 6th - Read Matthew chapters 1 & 2
December 7th - Listen to one of my favorite Christmas albums (If you listen to this album, be sure to listen to the songs Gabriel's Oboe, Agnus Dei, Highland Cathedral - some of my absolute favs!)
December 8th - Create some handmade decorations
December 9th - Watch a Christmas cartoon - this one from 1936 is my all-time favorite
December 10th - Go Christmas shopping
December 11th - Write Christmas cards
December 12th - Set up the Christmas trainset
December 13th - Read Luke chapters 1 & 2
December 14th - Listen to another favorite Christmas album (Be sure to listen to This Year for Christmas - it's a favorite in my family)
December 15th - Watch Christmas inspirational videos My Northern Mindful Christmas List - Christmas in the Cottage (Be sure to listen to the acoustic rendition of 'O Holy Night' at the end of this one)
December 16th - Christmas light drive
December 17th - Extended family Christmas dinner
December 18th - Evening Christmas church service
December 19th - Make homemade gift tags, special bows/ribbons
December 20th - Wrap presents
December 21st - Youth Christmas night at church
December 22nd - Sip hot cocoa with Hubby by the tree
December 23rd - Christmas baking - spiced almonds, breads, cinnamon rolls, etc.
December 24th - Christmas eve party and other family traditions
December 25th - Celebrate the day giving gifts with family
I hope you found today's post helpful and challenging. Sending lots of warm holiday wishes your way!
Thanks for reading,
Abby
