Consider This Your Permission Slip

As a former workaholic and recovering perfectionist, I know this time of year can feel a little strange. The natural slowdown of the holidays can feel… unnatural. A little uneasy. Like, aren’t I supposed to be doing something?

So if you need a permission slip this holiday season, here it is.

Consider this your permission slip to unplug. To put your phone on Do Not Disturb. To set up the email auto-responder. To step away from the news, the noise, and the nonsense. To go offline for a while. Honestly, we weren’t meant to carry that much information anyway.

Consider this your permission slip to rest. To live in comfy clothes for excessive amounts of time. To sleep in or go to bed early. To slowly sip your favorite coffee. To read the book you’ve been putting off. To take a long, slow walk in a beautiful place.

Consider this your permission slip to enjoy. To roll up your sleeves for Christmas baking (I know I will be). To watch your favorite Christmas movie, whether that’s White Christmas or Die Hard. To enjoy the kids as they open their presents. To have a little fun in the middle of the holiday chaos. And yes, to buy yourself a present too.

Consider this your permission slip to reflect. To notice what you’re grateful for. To think about your favorite Christmas memories. To remember the reason for the season.

Consider this your permission slip to savor. To savor quiet mornings and loud gatherings. To savor twinkling Christmas lights. To savor the little moments and the memories you’re making. To savor every bite of good food. And don’t forget the dessert.

Consider this your permission slip to gather. To be with family and friends. To share a meal, a table, and a conversation.

And as my friend’s one-year-old says whenever someone closes a laptop, “the end!” So turn off the computer, put the phone down, and go enjoy the holiday season.