Merry Christmas Eve!

As a kid, I celebrated Christmas, even though both my parents were Jewish. My mother's father wasn't Jewish and he passed away when she was still a teenager. I imagine celebrating Christmas made my mom feel connected to her dad.

My husband's family opened gifts on Christmas eve, but my family was all about Christmas morning. I remember that feeling of being so excited that I could hardly sleep, and the wonder of waking up to a cozy house, filled with lights and presents.

My family now celebrates Hanukkah (albeit with more electric lights, blue garland, and sparkle than most), a holiday celebrated after nightfall. But I've been thinking about the "sleepless before Christmas" feeling and how powerful it is for us as adults.

It's the feeling of anticipatory excitement. Looking forward. Being certain that something in the future will be good.

When was the last time you felt it?

It's been awhile, right? Me too. My default setting is often closer to anticipatory concern. I play out all the things that could go wrong. Of course I do -- Our brains keep us safe by scanning for danger.

There isn't enough time.

There isn't enough money.

I don't have enough energy.

We often anticipate that things will be difficult, so we won't be disappointed when they are.

We imagine worst case scenarios so we can be ready, but rarely prepare for things to go well.

Last week a coach friend asked me about my goals for 2024 and I started telling her about all the things I didn't do in 2023 that I was hoping to get to in 2024.

But what are you excited about?, she asked.

The question was such a gift because it reminded me -- I can create Christmas eve with my mind. I can decide that good things are coming and then I can make them happen. When things are difficult, I can put my energy into imagining them feeling easier, rather than putting my energy into anxiety-creating thoughts.

Imagine!

What are you looking forward to in 2024?

Next month?

Tomorrow?

Creating a life we look forward to living is the best gift to give ourselves. Maybe you want to think

I'm going to spend time with friends next month -- and send a text to get something on the calendar.

I'm going to learn something new in the Spring -- and sign up for that cooking class you've been considering for years.

I'm going to travel to a place I've never been before -- and make plans with a friend to see a National Park you've never visited.

Only you know what will create anticipatory excitement for you. Some people dream of travel and others look forward to drinking their morning coffee while looking at the birds. As you think about the coming year, put all the resolutions to the side and ask yourself,

What am I excited about?

If nothing comes to mind, ask yourself, what would excite me (or bring me joy, contentment, satisfaction) until you find your answer and let yourself imagine creating it in the coming year.

It's the best gift -- no wrapping required. ❤️

The holidays can be wonderful and fill us with anticipatory excitment, but when we're not feeling it, they can be very difficult. In this week's podcast, I share how to feel lighter even when you're carrying a heavy load.

Episode #82: Feeling light (even when you're carrying a lot)

The winter holidays are all about light -- which makes sense in the darkness of winter. We all want more light -- more joy, more lightness in our spirits, but sometimes it can be very challenging, especially at the holidays. When we're going through something heavy, the holidays can feel especially hard, and we can feel more alone. In this episode, I share ways to welcome in lightness, even when you're carrying something heavy. It's useful at the holidays and all year round.

Listen here.