Reconciling Our Spiritual Beliefs in a Spiritual Season

It’s the holiday season.

 

December hosts several different holidays, for several different religions or spiritual practices. Hannukah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa – holidays with a spiritual basis, but that may also be celebrated by non-religious individuals.

 

And while one holiday and one religion seem to dominate year after year, it’s important to understand that it’s ok to not buy into a specific belief, even if you do celebrate that dominate holiday.

 

There’s a lot of shaming and attacking that happens on social media and in public when it comes to the holiday season. You’re yelled at if you say one thing instead of another. You’re shamed for not acknowledging the “reason for the season.”

 

It takes strength to recognize that there is no one right answer to the question of religion and holidays and spirituality, whether it’s December or any other month or day of the year. Most religious holidays, while based around individual stories for those religions, also have a basis in practices that are not necessarily based in religion. For example, various Christmas traditions stem from traditions that tie back to the Winter Solstice, Yule, and paganism.

 

Oftentimes, we feel out of place if we don’t subscribe to a particular religion or belief. It can add a huge toll to our mental health, weighing on our anxieties. Especially during the holiday season when we feel like maybe we should be adhering to and exposing our kids to the religious side of the holiday we’re celebrating.

 

And there is definitely a positive side to teaching our kids about the religious aspects of the various holidays. It’s important to teach our kiddos about all of the different beliefs and perspectives.

 

But take comfort in and be ok with an amalgamation of spiritual beliefs. There’s nothing wrong with finding the bits and pieces of different religions or spiritual practices to adopt and make your own. Spirituality is not one size fits all.

 

I’ve taken comfort over the years in learning about different practices and finding what works best for me. And while it’s taken a long time to be comfortable with my beliefs and sharing them with others, especially those with extremely strong beliefs, that comfort does eventually come.

 

So, explore, learn. Find the spiritual practice that works for you and celebrate this holiday season in the way that best expresses your spirituality and your traditions, in your way.

 

And if you’re looking for a comfortable place to explore your spirituality, our group of like-minded mamas is here to support you on your journey.