Christmas is a busy time and if you’re like lots of women, you probably spend all your time making sure that everyone else on your list gets the gifts they want. But what about you? Do you get some things that are on your list, or is it now time to become your own Santa?
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What “being Santa”means
Being your own Santa isn’t just about splurging and spoiling yourself (although that’s certainly fun). It’s about being good to yourself the way Santa is good to little kids.
Think about it for a minute. What does Santa mean to a little child? I’m not denying there’s not the thrill of wondering what presents Santa will leave under the tree, because that’s certainly an aspect. But Santa means much more than just gifts. You’ve watched children during the Christmas season. You’ve seen their sense of delight. You’ve watched them gaze at the Christmas tree in anticipation. You’ve noticed how their eyes light up with joy and happiness. And you’ve probably heard them ask questions with wonderment in their voice.
Who doesn’t want – and need – more of these things in their own life? I know I can certainly use all of the joy, happiness, anticipation, and wonderment that I can get. I bet a little more wouldn’t hurt you either.
And even when we were little kids it wasn’t completely about the “stuff”. There was also the recognition that we’d been on the “nice” list (or relief that we weren’t on the “naughty” list!) While I don’t advocate making your happiness dependent on another person’s assessment of your worth, it IS good for you to recognize and celebrate your own.
Being your own Santa means that you’re going to be good to yourself – every day of the year. It means celebrating life and recognizing those special qualities that make you unique. And it means believing that you do belong on the “nice” list instead of waiting for external validation (that may never come).
So be your own Santa. Take purposeful steps to experience wonder. Look for magic around you. Bring more joy into your life.
Because that’s what Santa really does. And you can do it for yourself – you’re already doing it for everyone else.
And if it’s time to spoil yourself…
But there are times when the holidays are over and you didn’t get something that was on your list. That used to be the case for me. And there were lots of years that I’d be upset about it. But then I decided that feeling upset was pointless. Instead, I decided to take action – and the Mr. Claus at my house was very relieved!
So here are a few ideas that are on my personal list.
I happen to love hourglasses! It’s probably because of watching the opening sequence to Days of Our Lives so many times when I was a kid (or perhaps that scene from The Wizard of Oz had something to do with it). Nevertheless, they fascinate me. This sliver metal one is on my personal list to add to the other two I own. I don’t normally get in to collecting things, but this is the one thing I’d make an exception for.
I love my FitBit. But I also love the bling and I want to jazz mine up a little. FitBit jewelry slides are going to give an otherwise bland black band that bit of sparkle that I like.
I have heard good things about the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser. A friend swears that essential oils have helped her with stress and relaxation. She puts a drop of the essential oil on her wrists, but I’d finally tried the diffuser and put it by my computer. I really enjoy the light scent and I do think it helps reduce stress.
I’ve always loved geodes and I’ve got a really pretty set of bookends that have the beautiful blue rock inside. I didn’t see these in time to ask for them for Christmas, but these blue agate coasters would have definitely made the list.
Hopefully you got everything that was on your list. But there are times when Christmas is over and dear old mom realizes that Santa didn’t pay as much attention to her as he did to everyone else (shame on Santa!). When that happens, there’s nothing wrong with putting the Santa hat on your own head and making your wishes come true. The Santa at my house is always so grateful to be out of the doghouse that he never complains.
Have you ever had to be your own Santa? Did you enjoy it or were you disappointed?
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Love this concept. And perfect timing, since I’m sure too many women are feeling depleted after the holiday. Thanks for the reminder (and “permission”) to take care of ourselves!
Hi Roxanne. You know something I find interesting? It’s that in blogging we’re always told “narrow down your audience – be specific who you’re writing for” (at least I’ve seen a lot of that advice). But it seems to me that the big issues we face as women cut across age and “situational” lines. I don’t imagine there’s a woman out there who isn’t struggling to take care of others – whether it be small kids or elderly parents. We all have to give ourselves permission to put our own self-care on the list. Here’s wishing you a terrific New Year.
I always end up doing a bit of pampering once the all the holiday festivities have ended. There is so much to do for several weeks and I get completely overwhelmed. Then starting 12/26 I can finally relax.
A mani/pedi, a massage, a little shopping and some alone time works wonders for me!
Good for you! It’s easy to realize that you’re completely worn out after taking care of everyone else. Hope you have a wonderful New Year!
I love this! “Take purposeful steps to experience wonder.” Just beautiful. So tweeting this.
Thank you Keri! That’s very kind and I appreciate it. Hope you have a wonderful New Year.