Peace, blessings, and love family. As the world rushes to deck the halls, exchange gifts, and prepare for the “new year, new me” frenzy, I’ve chosen a different path—one of rest, reflection, and intentional living. As an Child of of the Most High, I don’t celebrate pagan holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, and instead of being swept up in the holiday chaos, I take this time to focus on what truly matters: my spiritual and mental well-being.
In this post, I’ll share a brief insight into the origins of these holidays and offer practical ways to embrace rest and self-care during a season that often feels overwhelming.
The Origins of Christmas and New Year’s: A Quick Insight
The holiday season is filled with traditions that many people follow without questioning their origins. Here’s a brief look at where these holidays come from:
Christmas
While Christmas is widely celebrated as the birth of Christ, historical evidence shows that December 25th was chosen to align with pagan winter solstice festivals, particularly Saturnalia, a Roman celebration honoring the god Saturn. Traditions like decorating trees and exchanging gifts have roots in pagan rituals, not biblical teachings.
New Year’s Day
The modern New Year’s celebration on January 1st traces back to ancient Rome, where it was dedicated to Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions. The Gregorian calendar’s New Year does not align with biblical or agricultural cycles, which often marked the true beginnings of a year.
Understanding these origins has led me to step away from these celebrations and focus on practices that align with my beliefs.
Why I Choose to Hibernate During the Holidays
This season is often marketed as a time of joy, but for many, it’s a time of stress, overspending, and burnout. By choosing rest, I protect my peace and set the tone for a truly intentional year ahead. Here’s how I approach this time of year:
Spiritual Alignment: Instead of holiday festivities, I use this time to draw closer to God. Whether it’s through prayer, reading scripture, or meditating on His promises, I align my heart with what truly matters.
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Unplugging from Consumerism: The holiday season is filled with sales pitches urging us to buy more, do more, and be more. I’ve found freedom in opting out. By saying no to holiday spending, I can focus on experiences and connections that enrich my life.
- Embracing Rest and Reflection: The end of the calendar year doesn’t have to mean rushing to check off resolutions. I use this time to reflect on the past year, celebrate personal growth, and plan for the future at my own pace.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or seeking a different approach to the holiday season, here are 5 tips to help you reclaim your peace:
1. Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no to holiday parties or traditions that drain you. Protect your time and energy by only committing to what feels right for you.
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Create a Restful Routine: Turn your home into a sanctuary by embracing cozy mornings, journaling, and moments of stillness. Light a candle, sip tea, and let yourself slow down.
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Focus on Nourishment: Instead of indulging in heavy holiday meals, focus on nourishing your body with foods that energize you. Warm soups, herbal teas, and fresh produce can be grounding and comforting.
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Reflect on Your Year: Use this time for honest reflection. What went well this year? What did you learn? What do you want to carry into the next season of your life?
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Plan with Intention, Not Pressure: The “new year, new me” mentality can be overwhelming. Instead of setting unrealistic goals, focus on meaningful intentions that align with your values and purpose.
My message to you, whether or not you celebrate the holidays, remember that you are not obligated to participate in traditions that no longer align with your values. You have the power to create your own rhythm and reclaim this season as a time of rest, reflection, and intentionality.
I encourage you to take a step back, focus on what truly matters, and enter the next season of your life refreshed and renewed.
