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It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, So Why Not Make The Holidays A Time For Self-Love?

Make this holiday season everything you need (WHATEVER that may be!)

Tamiel Mckee Bey

Nov 26, 2018

San Diego State University

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, So Why Not Make The Holidays A Time For Self-Love?

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'Tis the season to think about all the reasons you didn't want to leave home for college! If you're like me, you're probably also settled into your own place by now and wondering if you should get a Christmas tree or just throw up some garland and call it a day! Well, I'm here to tell you that your holiday season doesn't have to be filled with sad sounds and cozy blankets (though that's ALWAYS an option)! This holiday season I am switching things up a bit, and this means...

FAREWELL TO SANTA CLAUS

I can't speak for anyone but myself when I say that Christmas has served its time in my life and now it is time for me to take new ventures. Now, I'll be honest...one of the only reasons why I've considered switching my holiday routine is because of the fact that I have had to spend the holidays alone in the past and it's not always fun. Therefore, to make the most of the time that I have off from school (and life), I have decided to dedicate all Christmas carols and mistletoes to myself. That to self-love and appreciation!

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

Of course, the self-love will not end with poet phrases and analogies. To really give myself a "new lease on life," I've decided to embrace different avenues of my identity and spirituality with the celebration of Ngzo Saba or Kwanzaa.

To me, this small shift means a lot more than lighting candles and giving gifts. Before I go any further let me first make it clear that Kwanzaa is a holiday that celebrates the identity and culture of African-Americans. Incorporating this celebration into my life feels more like bring myself back down to earth, reconnecting with my life force.

This is not me suggesting that you throw away Christmas or Santa's cookies, but I am saying that a little twist to your celebration this season may be the missing cinnamon in your eggnog!

I don't have a solution for you, but I can tell you that if it were me, as in, if I had the time to really be alone this holiday season...I would make it all about me! Even the small moment's count, give yourself time outside of your family affairs to check in on yourself because you cannot show up for them if you are not showing up for yourself!

Happy Holiday Season! I hope you GET and GIVE all the love your beautiful heart can take!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, So Why Not Make The Holidays A Time For Self-Love?

Make this holiday season everything you need (WHATEVER that may be!)

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There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

Love hard, every day, and never be ashamed.

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