Holding Space for Safety in the Holiday Season

Is your checklist being made once and already checked twice, maybe more? It’s like that old Christmas tune was speaking to us instead of talking about Santa. Regardless of your thoughts about Santa, let’s talk about making lists this time of year. The cookies, presents, fancy dresses, decorations, school parties – I’m sure those are all making your list. However, are you adding physical safety to your list and what would that even look like in your life?

When your body feels threatened, it creates a physiological response. God knew we couldn’t do it all and created warning signs for us to slow down. The key is, do we listen to our bodies when they are attempting to whisper to us? And what defines a true threat these days? I can tell you right now, you likely weren’t designed to be at fourteen parties in one month during the coldest time of the year. Thus, whether we view the countless invitations as physical threats, our body may speak otherwise. It is important that we make space to honor its safety.

The more I have attuned my body and calendar to the seasons of the year, the more capacity I have in the seasons where I need it. Winter is a time for pruning. A time for rest. A time to dig our roots deep into the soil and allow the cold to show our true fortitude. Why do most people hate winter so much? I would say because our culture doesn’t honor safety in this season. Instead, we create unrealistic demands and operate around a calendar that often does us very little good.

Please know I absolutely love a good party. However, you will find me throwing a party in quite a calculated way. The reason is to love my people well, but also celebrate their own need for safety and rest. I equally love gingerbread contests and endless décor. Yet each season, I look at multiple life circumstances and adjust accordingly. My physical, mental and spiritual health does not go on the backburner just to create memories. Unfortunately, I came from a family where this happened and there has been a lot of long-term damage. Our legacy of true peace and rest, along with the tangible comfort we bring our loved ones is an asset.

When you feel threatened, do you know what symptoms are warning you? How do you make space to listen, especially during the busiest time of the year? Making space for safety takes intentional effort. There is self-control and wisdom required to say yes and no at the best times. I believe Jesus shows up in this area as we seek Him for wisdom, but also listen to the cues of our body and overflowing behaviors. Snapping at your kids while trying to bake cookies with them, it may not be worth it. It’s ok to grab a book and blanket where you can also feel the warmth and comfort your body might need.

Here are some practical ways to give your body safety this season:

·      Create warmth for your body and eat warm nourishing foods. Don’t allow yourself to become depleted during busyness and holiday parties. Choose wholeness and nourishing food choices.

·      Allow the seasons to lead your routines. Rise with the sun and rest with the sun. Feel the warm morning sun through a window and watch it go down at night.

·      Practice saying NO. Don’t commit yourself to every party. Intentionally choose events and celebrations that will benefit and bless you, but also those around you. Serve from a place of REST and not obligation.

·      Stop before you are sick. Don’t push through sickness for the sake of being somewhere. Listen to physical symptoms early on.

We pray you have a blessed holiday!

Written by: Johnna King