If I’m REALLY honest, December is a tough one for me…

As always, I’ll be real with you and admit that apart from my birthday (bless Sagittarius season), I practically dread December. I know that sounds SO Grinchy (I love the Grinch, so I’m really okay if you call me that), but I simply do not resonate with the holiday hype. For years I’ve attributed this to the past circumstances of my life; whether it be family stresses, living situations, working long retail hours, finances…the list goes on. And with this Grinchy perspective it’s clear I take even greater notice to the societal obsession of unrealistic expectations that truly have nothing to do with Christmas at all.

Oh and for the record, I know my perspective on the holiday’s is not for everyone, but I also know it is for someone.

And if that is you, I’m really excited you’re here…

Here’s the thing— I don’t know if its the magic of Christmas time in the city or what has gotten into me (maybe it’s age?) but I finally realize why I’ve been a Grinch for far too long. For years I’ve destroyed every holiday for myself by throwing a pity party over the past and being disappointed by unrealistic expectations for the present…

Time and time again I’ve ruined the day before it had the chance to say hello.

A few years ago, one of my best friends shared with me that because his family has prior Christmas day commitments (yes we are at that point in our lives), he wakes up to spend Christmas day SOLO. But rather than drowning in loneliness and self pity, he unwraps a gift he bought himself, cooks his favorite meal, treats himself to his favorite beer, and celebrates everything good in his life. And GIRL, when he told me this it REALLY put my feelings toward Christmas into perspective

Here’s the thing…

Christmas isn’t about how much money you have, buying everyone on your list the most expensive item, spending the day at a certain location, or with certain people out of expectation. No. Christmas is a time to reflect and be thankful for the incredible people, things, and opportunities we are blessed with DAILY. And THAT is the way I want to celebrate!

So with a new point of view, I’m proud to report I’ve spent the past few Christmas’s making new memories rather than living in (and resenting) the past. So far I’ve spent this season visiting New York’s renowned Christmas décor (always followed by a much needed dirty martini with my partner because…tourists), watched the Grinch and Christmas Vacation while trimming the tree, and I look forward to an annual Friendmas style Christmas Eve dinner with two of my best friends who also celebrate in their own way. And though it may not be “traditional”, it’s the happiest holiday I’ve had in years.

SO I guess you can now call me a “reformed” Grinch.

My point to this? GIRL it’s okay if you’ve been a Grinch like me in holiday past. But this year, I challenge you to shift your perspective and spend your holidays in a more grateful state of mind, rather than in self pity this year. Whether you celebrate solo, host a Friendmas dinner, or celebrate with family, simply challenge yourself to celebrate with thankfulness in your heart for everything that IS great in life. I promise the Christmas music on repeat sounds much better this way!

& if you’re still on the hunt for the *perfect* gift for YOU (or a friend) consider gifting a Ditch the Clique 3 month one on one Confidence Coaching membership this Christmas. Here, you and I will spend an hour bi-weekly mapping our steps to achieve YOUR big dream and live the *BEST* version of your life.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from all of us here at Ditch the Clique!

This post and styled items in this post are sponsored by our partner Figleaves. Please also note this post was originally shared in 2018 and though some updates have been made to the original, it does not reflect ALL social distancing standards. Please take precaution this holiday season.