When my children were young, Christmas was a flurry of activity wrapped in stress. I worked so hard to make everything seem perfect and to keep everyone happy. Back then, I didn’t even know what stress breathing was, but I can only imagine I was near hyperventilating throughout the holiday. Traveling from one family to another, prepping gifts for each gathering, and making sure everyone was enjoying it was so exhausting that I barely paused to enjoy the moment or revel in the simple joys.
This year, I had the pleasure of watching a small child unwrap a gift that revealed a Baby Shark musical book. Her pure squeal of delight ignited a giggle inside of me. The joy displayed on her face spread to a smile on my own lips. I felt such awe at experiencing a moment of uninhibited joy and delight.
My grandson received a Tonka truck for Christmas, and as his mom playfully dumped something from the backend, he let out the biggest giggle any of us had heard. I watched his mom laugh with heartfelt happiness at hearing her son whole-heartedly giggle for the first time, and I remembered that moment when she, as a baby, giggled like that for the first time. There is nothing like the joy of a child, fully present and uncomplicated by the world around him.
I don’t remember who said it, but I’ve come to believe that freedom is not one-sided. As I’ve come to find more freedom to be present, enjoy the moment, let others have their feelings, and experience simple joys, I’ve noticed the people in my life have also experienced more of the freedom to do the same.
With the help of NORAD, I tracked Santa this year throughout the day on Christmas Eve. It was such a delight to travel with him through countries I’ve visited and those I still wish to see. I could feel my excitement grow as Santa got closer to Nebraska. Enjoying the simple pleasure of anticipation, I felt like a child as I fell asleep in my Christmas pjs.
As 2024 approaches, I offer gratitude for 2023 and the half a century of life I’ve been given. Not only am I grateful for all the joys and delights that this year offered, but I am also filled with anticipation for the moments of uninhibited joys to come. May I be fully present in the coming year, uncomplicated by the stress of perfection and management of people’s perceptions.