10. Keep the night noise of talking on your phone and playing music to a quiet tone.
11. Turn out the lights.
12. Do your own laundry.
13. Put the dishes in the dishwasher.
14. Don’t hog the remote.
15. If you don’t see it in the refrigerator write down what you want before you or I go to the market. It is not funny to put those empty milk cartons back in the frig.
16. I know your plans will change like not coming home for a meal, so text us or call to give us a heads up.
17. Please don’t leave the gas tank on empty.
18. Print this email and read it before you walk in the door or don’t worry there will be a copy on your bed. No, I did not change your room or rent it out.
19. Let me hug and kiss you and fuss over you. Yes, I know you aren’t a child anymore, but I am still your mom.
20. I will lower my expectations on how the holidays used to be. I won’t let the little things ruin our time together. Let’s just clear the air in seconds rather than long talks if something does come up.
Emotions rise and fall during the holidays. All our losses seem to emerge. Tears drop and tissues fill the car. Music stirs up memories. We feel pressure from television and magazine ads about how we’re supposed to look, decorate, shop, or be.
My reminder list will be:
- Get up, dressed, and out the door for a quiet morning walk.
- Take deep breaths when I feel anxious or angry.
- Ask for help.
- Listen.
- Shift my perception in the moment.
- Have fun!
- Stay curious!
May the holidays bring you inward reflection and outer connections that add meaning to your life. May you dance and sing and make a fool of yourself if it brings a smile.
“Dream your dreams. Help others feel at ease when they walk through your door but do not abandon yourself.”—Natalie Caine
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