Evan Knauss
Finding Time For What's Important and Stressing Less: Why I'm Focusing on Staying Present This Holiday Season
December 8, 2021
Every year when the leaves start to fall, the temperature begins to drop, and neighbors retrieve the box of string lights from the attic, I get a feeling of excitement and joy. The holiday season is my favorite time of year, as I'm sure it is for many others. I mean, who doesn't enjoy spending time with family, practicing traditions, and eating lots of great food? Although it can be a quite stressful time as well, there are a million reasons to embrace this time of the year when it comes around.
If you were to ask anyone who knows me, they would tell you that I am quite the go-getter. I love taking on new challenges and "keeping my plate full", as my mom would say. The pressure and stress that comes with the holidays, from hosting for guests to finding the perfect gift, can be overwhelming and even take away from the joy the holidays bring. I know that for me personally, I am one who may like to take on a lot, but I can admit that I can also wear myself thin by doing so.
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These past two years have also been drastically different from the rest, thanks to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. It started as something many thought would blow over in a couple weeks. Those weeks turned into months, and now here we are approaching the two year mark and counting. There have been so many experiences we have missed out on, people we haven't been able to see, and sadly, people we haven't been able to say goodbye to. During these past two years I lost two family members, both who I did not get the chance to say goodbye to because of the pandemic. That is why this holiday is so important for me to find time for what is important and to stay present with my friends and family, and this is how I plan to do so.
Pause and Appreciate
The holidays are a time of gathering with family and loved ones. This presents the perfect opportunity to really reflect on what you are most thankful for. Whether you are gathered around the dinner table or helping decorate the Christmas tree, it is important to pause in that moment and think to yourself- why am I grateful for this moment and the people around me? In the past, I can admit that I wasn't showing gratitude for a lot of the pieces of my life and taking many things for granted. Especially after this past year, having the opportunity to once again spend the holidays with family and friends is so important to me. I plan to take this time to ground myself and express my appreciation for my surroundings and the people in my life.
Stay in Touch With My Surroundings
As a student and a young adult, I spend hours each day checking my email, social media, and school accounts. Technology is a great tool, don't get me wrong, but it can also be a huge distraction. In my efforts to stay present during the holidays, I plan to stay off of my mobile devices when I don't need to be using them. It is shocking how much someone can miss in the same room as them when they have their head buried in their cell phone. This holiday season, it is my goal to live in the moment, engage in physical conversations with those who I haven't seen in far too long, and simply enjoy being around others.
