‘Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la, la la la la! All your family is coming to visit, fa la la la la, la la la la!
The office (virtual) potluck, drunk-and-daring, fa la la la la la la la laaaaaaaa!
Why are you crying, kind heart? Joy to the world, dashing through the snow – ‘member? You’re a people person, master communicator, joke teller, buffet raider.
What’s the hoho problem?
Why are so many of us exhausted and overwhelmed by the time the holidays roar to our door and unleash clown cars packed with family and friends?
Because some of those clowns – let’s call them primitive angels – tell stories that push buttons.
That turn smiles upside down.
Flip over tables.
Make the family turkey fly. (True story.)
Here’s a tip for living a better storyline when primitive angels fly down the chimney and start squawking at your table, under your tree or inside your heart.
Get present (pre-sent). Long before you hear your doorbell ring or Great Uncle Kevin yells for another drink, get clear about how you want your guests to Feel, Think and Act.
Most of us want our guests to feel welcome. To think we’re organized, sophisticated, witty and gorgeous. (Oh, admit it!) We want family and friends to express gratitude and praise for our hospitality.
But as in life, you win some and you lose some. Not everyone is going to behave the way you want. But you know what? By taking just two minutes mind-dumping how you want people to feel, think and act, you’re setting a powerful field of intention and calm.
While the clowns are sowing war, you’re reaping Peace… because you have a peace plan, baby!
When we access our higher, merrier Self – let’s be bold and call him/her our higher angel – you soar above party-poopers still swinging from trees.
Stay focused on your good intentions, kind heart. The Light of your nature will win.
By not getting triggered by others’ nasty storylines (i.e., negative go-nowhere stories and go-on-forever complaints), you act as a bright beacon. You remind us what it’s like to feel at home in our story, in our family and in our world.
The primitive angels at your table seek what you have an abundance of so please give generously: Joy, Peace, Belonging, Love.
You’re a safe harbour, sweet storyteller.
You’re a kind heart with good intentions living a sweet life story (for the most part). You have enough sunshine and hope for everyone.
In fact, it is YOU who carries the spirit of the season inside.
Fa la la la la, la la la laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, sweet storyteller.
Wishing you everything joyful, peaceful and bright.
p.s. Stay nice.
Don’t let the television bite.
♥ Shannon