As the holiday season kicks into full gear, it is easy to get caught up in the need to do, do, do and go, go, go. Shopping for gifts, attending holiday gatherings, endless wrapping and decorating, cooking, and all of the additional holiday rituals can cause you to feel disconnected from what is really important, the motherbaby bond. Recognizing the need for slowing down is key during the holidays. As the hormones of nesting begin to take hold, you will find yourself in a state of reorganization and planning. This means that the holidays can kick you into overdrive if you are not conscious and aware. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with endless to-do lists and forget about the most essential preparation of all—slowing down and tuning in to the motherbaby bond.
Many cultures around the world honor pregnancy and encourage the motherbaby bond. Traditional Japanese families believe that babies are influenced by the mother’s thoughts, as well as by music. Pregnant Japanese women are encouraged to look at beautiful images, think positive thoughts, and listen to calming, beautiful music. In China, pregnant women are encouraged to avoid being critical of others, as it is believed any criticism will cause the pregnant mother’s baby to take on these traits. Pregnancy is viewed as a time when a woman has happiness in her body. In Hawaiian tradition, babies are raised in the spirit of Ohana, or family bond. Babies and children are called keiki, meaning seedling. Hawaiians wish to grow their children from the nourishing source of love.
When you come right down to it, most holidays honored during the end of the calendar year are meant to connect an individual with their spiritual source and with those they love. This time of year is truly meant to be a time of introspection, gratitude, celebration and connection. It is not about selected the right video game or cooking 18 dozen cookies. It is about love. How better can you love yourself and your baby than giving yourself the ultimate holiday gift – by slowing down and consciously focusing on the motherbaby bond.
This year, try and select the holiday rituals that can help you connect to the motherbaby bond. These may include going to your place of worship, singing holiday songs, selecting an ornament for your baby, having an intimate, special meal with those closest to you, and choosing to give only meaningful gifts of the heart. Allow yourself the ability to say no when necessary and slow down when you need to. The ultimate holiday gift during pregnancy is really about loving yourself, honoring traditions that feel sacred to you, and honoring the motherbaby bond.
What steps are you taking during this holiday season to slow down?
What holiday traditions are you choosing to participate in?
What holiday traditions have you decided to let go of?