When Christmas Looks Different

I used to be a Christmas nut.  I would torture (or at least they claim) my children with Christmas songs as soon as the first hint of Fall approached.  I decorated every corner and multiple Christmas Trees.  I hosted friends, family, and neighbors. I cooked and baked with joy. I took lots of family photos and tried to pick the perfect gifts. Year round I made check lists and did Christmas crafts in preparation for my beloved season. I thoughtfully created traditions and hopefully memories for my family. I tried to keep Christ at the center of celebrations. 

So, when Christmas rolls around it feels like it should be a warm, familiar embrace. But this year, Christmas looks different; the usual routines have shifted, loved ones are far away, and life’s unexpected turns have finally wiped away the comfort of traditions and there aren’t new ones yet in place. I also know that new traditions aren’t likely to emerge any time soon, especially ones that resemble what my life-long “ideal’ of what Christmas should be.

This year, I can’t help but feel disconnected from the usual Christmas spirit. In some ways it is hard to find excitement when the season feels foreign, as if the magic has slipped through my fingers. And yet, maybe it’s okay to sit with these feelings for a while.

The familiar family gatherings, filled with laughter and the clinking of dishes, which honestly, have been slowly changing over the last few years, have now faded into quieter, smaller moments, which isn’t all bad. It’s not anger, I feel—just a deep sadness for what’s been lost. Traditions that once felt unshakable have shifted, and the absence of loved ones dull some of the sparkle of the season. Still, amidst this holiday funk, there is a quiet gratitude for the memories and a gentle hope that new traditions find their place in time. In this season of quiet there is more time to remember truly why we celebrate...the birth of a Savior.

For me, change is a hard gift to unwrap anytime, especially when it comes to family. It can feel like a loss, a reminder of what once was. It is tinged with a touch of loneliness.  Yet, I am learning there’s beauty in learning to let go—in finding joy and true meaning even when the season’s usual routines are just memories.  I think the greatest lesson a different kind of Christmas has taught me is the art of letting go. Letting go of expectations. Letting go of the need for control. Letting others chose their paths. Letting go of what was, to make room for what is and what could be. In this surrender, there is peace.

Discovering the Blue Zone: A Journey to Health and Longevity

 

As I pack my bags for a much needed adventure I will be digging into The Blue Zones Challenge! What’s a Blue Zone, you ask? Well, I first stumbled upon this fascinating concept through a Netflix documentary that opened my eyes to a lifestyle that transcends mere longevity. It’s not just about living longer; it’s about living better, thriving even.

The term “Blue Zone” refers to specific regions around the world where people live significantly longer and healthier lives than average. These areas have been studied because of their populations, who reach age 100 at rates much higher than the rest of the world. These 100 year olds aren’t just alive but they are living and embracing life.  

The documentary I watched was like a lightbulb moment for me. It revealed that the secret to longevity isn’t found in complicated diets or expensive supplements. Instead, it’s rooted in a holistic, simple way of life that prioritizes community, purpose, and natural living. 

As I looked more into the Blue Zone philosophy, I’ve come to appreciate the key principles that contribute to a long, fulfilling life:

1. Plant-Based Diet: In these regions, the majority of the diet is plant-based, focusing on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. I love that it is about nourishment from real foods rather than supplements.

2. Active Lifestyle: Physical activity is woven into daily routines rather than relegated to the gym. Whether it’s gardening, walking, or hiking, I can do these things without expensive gym memberships or equipment.

3. Strong Social Connections: Community is paramount in Blue Zones. This is a challenge in today’s world. The Blue Zones reminder us that relationships are vital for emotional well-being.

4. Sense of Purpose: Many centenarians in Blue Zones have a clear sense of purpose, often referred to as ‘Ikigai’ in Japan. HUGE!

5. Stress Reduction: Life in the Blue Zones is often slower-paced, with rituals like napping, prayer, or simply enjoying the sunset. I am not good at this and probably one of the main reasons this concept resonated with me.  I plan to intentionally embrace moments of mindfulness and relaxation, and create more balance in my life..

I can’t help but believe that there’s something profoundly liberating about adopting this holistic approach to health. It’s not just a trend; it’s a way of life that honors our bodies, minds, and spirits. After all, life is not just about adding years to our lives; it’s about adding life to our years. Here’s to finding my Blue Zone and living my best life!