Happy Holidays to all! This year has gone by so quickly, much faster than usual. I honestly feel like life with a toddler seems to make time move faster somehow. Anyway, with the holiday season upon us, we are absolutely feeling the pressure of everything. As a teacher, the semester is coming to an end. Those projects need grading, creative dance games are created, Nutcrackers and performances are prepped and performed, and all of us look forward to that moment to breathe on the last day. As a mother, the to-do list is longer than Santa's nice list! But we pull up our big girl britches, take a deep breathe, and tackle each day with a smile and a positive attitude. Not going to lie, sometimes that goes out the window before I have even had my first cup of coffee. But here are a few things I have begun to do that keep my head in the right space and my holiday cheer up! First, I know that we all want to make the holidays magical for our young ones. This is the first year my son really is seeing a change in season and something different around him. That said, it is the little things like looking at lights, cuddling and watching old school Christmas cartoons, and turning the lights on our own Christmas tree that can bring him joy. I have been doing a 12-day Holiday Challenge that encourages me to take a step back and reflect on my own mental state to put my best foot forward each day. The little tasks that this challenge presents have given me a lot of insight and brought a calm positivity to each day. As parents, there is so much we want to give our children, especially during the holiday season. But I have to find some balance in the mayhem of parties, events, shopping, guests, performances, and so on. One of my favorite Christmases was about 15 years ago in New York City. I was coming off my last contract and collecting unemployment, so the funds to properly shop for my loved ones was lacking. But I decided to take the day and make the most of it. After all, some of the best things in New York didn't cost a cent. So I headed down to the holiday market at Union Square and purchased some gifts for my boyfriend down there. I then realized that I never took the time to see the tree at Rockefeller Center, so I took the train to 5th avenue. As I walked past the windows drinking hot apple cider, my heart could have exploded from the holiday cheer. You see, I probably spent less than $200 on all of the gifts I needed to purchase that night. And I was completely alone! But it was the choice I made to surround myself with beautiful things that made that night one of the most memorable ones ever. Whatever your holidays have in store, may you take the time to be present, not just for yourself but also your loved ones. I have had more fun with some of the surprise moments with my son. Of course we have taken him to tree lightings, to meet Santa, and several other events. But it was his fascination with the fake snow that brought him so much joy, not waiting in line to meet St. Nick. So don't dwell too much on making it all perfect mommas. Your memories will be beautiful regardless. Happy Holidays and Happy Dancing!
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AuthorNikki Allred Boyd (Dancer, Choreographer, Mom). Archives
March 2024
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