Here are 10 ways to add new Christmas Rituals to your Holiday Season.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a ritual is a way of doing something in which the same actions are done in the same way every time.
For years, we have been accustomed to celebrating in a certain way, perhaps with narcissists. This Christmas, try incorporating things you enjoy, adding elements that have always brought you joy and meaning.
Attempting to do things your own way will prompt you to consider what you truly like. Years of being with narcissists rob us of our sense of self. This is one way we can try to reclaim our sense of self.
Here are our 10 ideas to enhance your Christmas rituals.
1. Annual Declutter of Your Online and Offline Space
Dispose of items linked to negative memories. Consider deleting old photos that evoke painful emotions, donating gifts from narcissists, or selling them in thrift stores to make some extra money.
Additionally, unfollow people on social media whom you no longer resonate with. Block narcissists and their enablers on social media. Unfollow news pages that repeatedly remind us of grave injustices and how the world enables narcissists.
Alternatively, repurpose these items into art or Christmas decor. This could involve replacing old photographs in frames, transforming old crockery into art, or reshaping old jewelry into something new. The possibilities are endless.
The less clutter you have, the clearer your thinking can be. Clean your email inbox, unsubscribe from newsletters/magazines you no longer use, and delete apps you no longer need.
This new Christmas ritual can help you begin the new year on a fresh note, fostering increased focus and productivity.
2. Grieve Your Losses for the Year
Things may not go according to plan, and you might have faced tragedies that were totally unexpected. Well, that is life. Grieve about everything that did not go as planned this year. Sometimes, you might still be grieving what you lost a few years ago. Don’t try to hide the emotions under the carpet. Journal or deeply reflect on it to understand how you actually feel about those losses.
Be compassionate to yourself. Imagine how you would support a grieving friend, and show the same empathy to yourself. Hug yourself or cry out loud until you feel better.
3. Create a new Christmas ornament that represents something special that happened during the year
Create an ornament that reflects a place you traveled to that year, the birth of a baby, a marriage, a job, a romantic relationship, a new favorite recipe, or your favorite movies/TV shows of the year.
4. Visit one of your favorite places that you can’t go very often or explore a new place you’ve always wished to visit.
Take a day to enjoy your favorite hiking trail, café, restaurant, beach, library—anywhere that brings you pure joy and peace.
This could be in your hometown or a travel destination you’ve always wanted to explore. Consider making it an annual tradition to plan a vacation around this time every year.
5. Christmas Movie Ritual
Create a ritual of watching a particular movie during the Christmas season, perhaps even with people you love and cherish. You can establish a tradition of attending specific screenings of Christmas movies.
You can even watch a movie or TV show you were unable to finish or enjoy due to negative emotions associated with narcissists.
6. Christmas Cooking/Baking Ritual
Establish a new cooking or baking tradition by creating a recipe that builds upon traditional Christmas recipes. Incorporate all the elements you enjoy into a dish.
For instance, if you have a preference for desserts, try making a trifle with all the flavors you like. You can even add new layers to it each year, making it a delightful and evolving tradition.
7. Volunteering as a Christmas Ritual
Spend time at a local shelter, soup kitchen, or another volunteer organization. You can find local opportunities through FoodPantries.org or FeedingAmerica.org.
Consider visiting an elder care home, a senior center, or another facility where individuals may experience loneliness during the holidays.
8. Reconnect with old friends/teachers/relatives
Take the time to reach out to people you’ve lost touch with but who have played a significant role in your journey. Express your gratitude and reconnect with those who have shown empathy and support. Use this Christmas season as an opportunity to rekindle connections and share meaningful moments.
9. One week of Digital Detox
Take a week off this holiday season to go completely off the grid. No news, no social media, no messages. You can inform others that you’ll be responding to emails or messages after a week.
This break allows you to focus, conserve energy, and foster optimism and hope, free from constant exposure to news of tragedy and unfairness. It’s a great Christmas ritual to prepare for the New Year.
10. Host the party of the year
Host a party with a select group of people you absolutely love. If you don’t have such a group, consider hosting a party for yourself.
Include everything you love and let your creativity soar. This can be a great confidence booster and a wonderful way to engage with your social circle.