Hello my dear readers,
I’m currently writing from Orlando, where we are spending the week at a kid-friendly resort with my parents and sister. I’ve been with extended family for the past two weeks. We did Christmas last weekend
The weather here has been so-so. We don’t have plans to do the Disney parks (K is still pretty young for it. And, Justin and I are not mentally prepared for that this week!)
In general, my holiday season has been “both, and” this year. Getting to see the magic of this time of year through my two year old’s eyes is definitely special. He’s old enough now to anticipate and to understand, which is truly fun. *And* I’m so, deeply, tired by all that this month demands of mothers (and, women and caregivers). The rush to get all the gifts, the wrapping, the teacher gifts, the entertaining of family, the making plans, the holding it all together (oh, did I mention that my continuing education documentation is due at EOY for my medical license renewals? Great timing!).
I write all of this as someone who is *not* precious at all about gifting or wrapping. And, I recognize that all of the above can also be a form of privilege. The ability to go on a family trip is quite a luxury (or, to go on any type of vacation at anytime, really).
And, after citing my disclaimers, let me admit here that my bone tired exhaustion has me ready to put a wrap on December.
I hope this isn’t coming off too grinch-y. I’m doing my best to give myself what I need during this time. Being able to say it here, like it really feels, is part of that for me.
Whatever you are celebrating this week (and, even if you are not in the mood for much celebrating), I’m sending you love — and a reminder to give yourself what you need this week too.
How are you spending the holidays? How are you feeling about how this week went? Would love to hear from you.
xo,
Pooja
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📲 For more on surviving the holidays, read How to make December feel better.
I feel this so much. It’s been a lot. My kids are happy and I am so, deeply tired.
Merry Christmas Pooja, and I hear ya! I am an empty nester, and I live far from my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. So the holidays can be "Meh." I try to make the best of it, tap into my "inner child," so to speak. I put up the tree Thanksgiving weekend and did "all the things." I had the Christmas music of my childhood on repeat. "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..." always brings memories of my parents, long gone. So, today is the day but I'm already anxious to take all the decor down and begin a new year. Maybe next year, we'll go on a vacation. Hugs to you and yours.