It's Christmas Eve...
Let's Take a Lesson From Our Curious Kiddos!
The Night All Children Anxiously Await…
Whether your Christmas includes the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the arrival of Santa, or both, for children Christmas is filled with wonder and delight. I don’t think there’s anything sweeter than seeing a child’s face when they first see Christmas tree lights, hear a Christmas Choir, visit a nativity scene, or write their first letter to Santa.
Children see the beauty of Christmas while we grown ups tend to ignore the beauty and focus on the stress. We tend to over do, over indulge, and over extend. Children only experience these if they eat one too many Christmas cookies or stay up way past their bed time.
I think we should take a minute and see Christmas through our littles one’s eyes. They are innocent, pure, filled with curiosity and curiosity is key to finding wonder in the world.
Being Curious Aids in Our Achieving MonuMENTAL Health.
Instead of getting stuck in the “what if’s,” think “what’s going on here?” Being curious can calm anxiousness and reduce stress.
Why, you wonder? Did you see what I did there?
Curiosity encourages us to learn and explore rather than sit in our fear of the unknown. It can lead us to discovering new interests, increasing our feelings of excitement and satisfaction. A curious mindset fuels our intrinsic motivation making us feel more goal-directed, making like feel more meaningful.
Curiosity keeps us engaged “in the here and now,” and when we are focused on the present we are far less likely to be become anxious or depressed. Holiday happiness is easier to attain if we stay engaged with others in the moment and not always fussing over the past or future woes, or some unattainable “perfect” Christmas.
Curiosity can also improve our relationships as it encourages empathy, active listening, and we all know how good it feels to be heard and understood.
This Christmas Eve Serve Some Curiosity With Your Christmas Cookies
As you are getting those cookies and hot cocoa ready for Santa tonight, don’t forget the carrots for the reindeer. Promise yourself to be more curious. Every once in a while take a curious rather than worrisome look at things. I assure you it won’t hurt and will likely lead you down a surprisingly calmer and less stressful path.
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I want to know what you think, what questions you have.
Do you have more questions about being curious and impacting our MonuMENTAL Health?
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If not, you can email me at sherry@drsherryboles.com.
Tonight when you gather with your family for dinner, remember the dinner table is a No Phone Zone! Get the kiddos ready for bed early, get them all tucked and read “Twas The Night Before Christmas,” it’s my favorite children’s Christmas book. Everyone eats, participates, and listens to each other’s stories.
Merry Christmas to all my readers. I hope you’ve all been good girls and boys and your Christmas wish comes true. May your days be merry and bright.
Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (King James Bible)
Great perspective