I was about to comment and say that trying to experience Christmas from a Buddhist perspective is a good way to stay sane. But then I saw Pants. I think trying to experience anything the way Pants does is the way to go. Those eyes.
I think with the whole attachment is the root of all suffering thing that they’d be much more content with the whole process. Be where your feet are and happy with what you have. Easier said than done!
It’s my fave! This week I gave away a lamp, borrowed a Bundt pan, passed on the snow globe I mentioned in the article, lent someone a space heater, and got a pair of shoes. Dreamy!
I will come and play with Pants! 😁 We took the stress out of Christmas a long time ago. We don't even buy gifts now. We put up more decorations than The Grinch could ever steal, make cookies for days (literally...today will be day 3 of cookie making shenanigans) and watch football or movies. It will just be the 3 of us and that makes it a very good Christmas. Happy Holidays Chloe and Pants! (And family)
This sounds awesome!! My wife and I are still trying to figure out what Christmas looks like for us. We’ve been married almost 5 years, but half of that was pandemic Christmases, so we feel like we’re just now getting our legs under us. I like your approach!
I let Christmas throw up all over my house too. I identify as an atheist and therefore, I call my tree an Alban Arthan tree. It also hearkens back to the time when I suppose I was happiest at Christmas -- as a child with all the expectations of Santa and family. Before my family broke under the market crash of 1982 and my father's alcoholism.
I struggle with the word "joy." A couple of years ago, I learned about the word "anhedonic" and that resonated so deeply with me. I'm not sure I was ever designed to feel "joy" or "happiness" and these days I seek "awe" and "contentment." There is a great book titled "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life" and it's one of those books I want all my friends to read. I think it will be one of those books I read every year to remind myself of my ultimate quests.
Thank you so much for sharing. I think a lot of people resonate with your experience. Choosing to seek awe and contentment is such a lovely response to anhedonia. I'm going to look up that book!
This was nicely written Chloe. We all need to acknowledge that the holidays aren't the same for everyone. The first thing I did Christmas morning was cry because my mom shared a prayer that included my son (who passed away 4 years ago). Immediately after crying, Dezi ripped open her first gift and made us all laugh with her ridiculousness. 😊
Even though missing him will always be painful, I can still find glimmers of joy. Thank goodness for dogs.
I imagine there isn't a Christmas that feels right without your son there. There's no way to have the Christmas we're "supposed" to have with that kind of loss in the middle of it. I love what you and your family did instead--made space for your son and his absence, and found joy and connection as well. It's both. And yes, thank goodness for dogs.
I was about to comment and say that trying to experience Christmas from a Buddhist perspective is a good way to stay sane. But then I saw Pants. I think trying to experience anything the way Pants does is the way to go. Those eyes.
What does it look like to experience Christmas from a Buddhist perspective? And yes, Pants is the right answer to any question. 😂
I think with the whole attachment is the root of all suffering thing that they’d be much more content with the whole process. Be where your feet are and happy with what you have. Easier said than done!
“Be where your feet are” - I LOVE this.
I need that on a T-shirt.
I love that too!
Gold stars to you for “buying” through the Buy Nothing group. That is a slice of peace on earth!
It’s my fave! This week I gave away a lamp, borrowed a Bundt pan, passed on the snow globe I mentioned in the article, lent someone a space heater, and got a pair of shoes. Dreamy!
I will come and play with Pants! 😁 We took the stress out of Christmas a long time ago. We don't even buy gifts now. We put up more decorations than The Grinch could ever steal, make cookies for days (literally...today will be day 3 of cookie making shenanigans) and watch football or movies. It will just be the 3 of us and that makes it a very good Christmas. Happy Holidays Chloe and Pants! (And family)
This sounds awesome!! My wife and I are still trying to figure out what Christmas looks like for us. We’ve been married almost 5 years, but half of that was pandemic Christmases, so we feel like we’re just now getting our legs under us. I like your approach!
I let Christmas throw up all over my house too. I identify as an atheist and therefore, I call my tree an Alban Arthan tree. It also hearkens back to the time when I suppose I was happiest at Christmas -- as a child with all the expectations of Santa and family. Before my family broke under the market crash of 1982 and my father's alcoholism.
I struggle with the word "joy." A couple of years ago, I learned about the word "anhedonic" and that resonated so deeply with me. I'm not sure I was ever designed to feel "joy" or "happiness" and these days I seek "awe" and "contentment." There is a great book titled "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life" and it's one of those books I want all my friends to read. I think it will be one of those books I read every year to remind myself of my ultimate quests.
Thank you so much for sharing. I think a lot of people resonate with your experience. Choosing to seek awe and contentment is such a lovely response to anhedonia. I'm going to look up that book!
This was nicely written Chloe. We all need to acknowledge that the holidays aren't the same for everyone. The first thing I did Christmas morning was cry because my mom shared a prayer that included my son (who passed away 4 years ago). Immediately after crying, Dezi ripped open her first gift and made us all laugh with her ridiculousness. 😊
Even though missing him will always be painful, I can still find glimmers of joy. Thank goodness for dogs.
And happy holidays to you and your family ❤️
I imagine there isn't a Christmas that feels right without your son there. There's no way to have the Christmas we're "supposed" to have with that kind of loss in the middle of it. I love what you and your family did instead--made space for your son and his absence, and found joy and connection as well. It's both. And yes, thank goodness for dogs.