LOVES AND LOATHINGS: A ROUNDUP OF SEASONAL HIGHS AND LOW
“I love that.”
“I hate that.”
We use language without regard to it's force sometimes.
A mentor of mine used to tell her kids, “Hate is such a strong word.” I agree, but I also find the word love to be equally powerful. For instance, do you remember the weight of saying, “I love you,” to someone you were dating for the first time?
When I reflect on the Advent/Christmas season, I hate---or should I say loathe---and love many aspects of this time. (Hate is a particularly potent word and perhaps should be used in specific ways, so I'll use loathe for this article.)
Three things I loathe
Schedule juggling.
Figuring out what to say yes and no to saps my motivation as fast as a lit match burns. We have a lot of family in town this time of year. Because I host, they usually come to me to figure out who's doing what and when. (Yay, leadership!)
I also feel the pull of staying creative and not losing momentum on projects through the holidays. Not easy when I have a houseful of guests for ten days!
Navigating sugar. As much as I love food, sugar everywhere makes feel a bit out of control. 'Nuff said.
The shallowness of stuff. I really long for smallness, reverance, and wonder this time of year minus the trappings. Someday I'll convince my family that perhaps forgoing gifts for a family trip would be more memorable.
Three things I love
Light. As we approach the longest day of the year (and the grayest season of the year here in the Midwest), I look to the light. Twinkly lights, stars, and candles all make me giddy!
One of my favorite memories is my husband flying us over the Plaza lights in Kansas City.
Also, I purchased one of those mood lights last year because my body needs lots of light in order to avoid hibernating until March. Anyone else need a mental health boost this time of year?
Quality time. I love spending mostly screen-free time together with my family and friends: watching movies (one screen exception for me), making and baking, and playing games. It's a season of togetherness, attentiveness to serving and loving one another, and joy.
Reflection. I love the opportunity this season gives for extended reflection time. This is an essential to growing as a creative leader!
Advent helps me consider how I'm waiting, how patient I really am, how omfortable I am with lament and wilderness, and how I will approach the coming darkness of winter.
Christmastide invites me to stay present, to give to others, and to celebrate.
Finally, the New Year marks when I examine the past year and ask:
“What went well?”
“What didn't?”
“How do I want to live into the coming days with intention and love?”
Love and loathe are strong words indeed.
As much as I loathe arranging schedules, avoiding sugar, and getting past the lure of stuff, my loves usually outweigh the loathings.
Finding the light, prioritizing quality time with loved ones, and intentional reflection all help me to be a better version of myself.
Listen to your life (Parker Palmer's phrase) and your longings in this season. You'll start to notice what energizes and drains during the holidays. In addition, you will be empowered to discern better exactly what God is inviting you into.
Reflecting on what you love and loathe about this season can help you craft a more courageous, compassionate, creative 2025.
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