The holidays. A time for celebration, remembrance, and reconnecting. But why then does it feel so exhausting?
I have pondered for the last two weeks on this. I’ve recollected on my Christmas’ as a child. They were joyous, without being in any way extravagant. Christmas Eve would be a whirlwind of Mom and Dad finishing up work and, no doubt, Christmas tasks. Christmas Day, a time just for our small family of four, and Boxing Day we would venture out to visit family – always starting with the grandparents who we lovingly called Nan & Pop. Eventually, I’d get to see my friends, spend time sledding (or as we called it sliding) and making snow forts. A new batch of snow, a sled and a small shovel could entertain us for a long time!
As life does, when I got older there were more expectations around this time of year – let’s dive back into expectations another time – which took away from the connection that I now realize I valued so much. It became more about running around, trying to make it to everyone in the short time work relieved me of my duties. I was exhausted! Thus, I decided I’d quite Christmas. The decorating, the tree, the constant travelling from one place to the next. I was done. Out! Bah humbug!
Enter cell phones, social media, and e-cards. In the early 2000’s when cell phones began to be an “easy” way to connect, social media became the way you felt like you knew someone, and e-cards replaced handwritten notes. I was onboard! Anything to relieve the pressure of the holidays in a busy life… Yet the pressure remained.
While I could likely write a full book for you on this next point, let me summarize. As I recently thought about the holidays and my relationship with it or rather distain for it; I kept coming back to how what a truly love about them is connecting with people I care about. But wait? Wasn’t I doing that with my “Merry Christmas” texts? With the “Happy Holidays” social media posts? With the “My Year in Review” barrage of photos as we celebrate another year over? I responded to all the comments, didn’t I? Also, let’s step back, wasn’t I was more connected to everyone than ever, voice notes, text and video messages, all year-round. I was crushing it!
What I was doing was more like a wave in the grocery store but not stopping to chat or sitting at a dinner table trying to maintain multiple conversations at once but not really truly connecting with anyone. I’d like to say this observation felt like a train barreling down the track. But truly, the more I thought about this, I’ve known this all along but accepted it as the way we all now move through the world. Not anymore.
So, while I’m still figuring out how to pull back and be more intentional about my communication, without my loved ones feeling like I’ve left the planet. For now, let’s just say 2026 I’m rewinding to a more analog existence. I must add a thank you to my brother, who to this day would rather pick up the phone and call me than message. Who never sounds like he’s reading a text while were on a call, and would rather more than anything that I visit than send a video message. Love you dude!
As we open 2026, is there an area of your life where you can be more intentional about your connection?
Join us on the floor.
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Announcing! THE RETURN: A Graduate Immersive Weekend
Are you a graduate of our 200HR Yoga Teacher Training? RETURN and reconnect with practice, community, and purpose. Space to arrive, grow, and remember why you began.
Through workshops, lectures, and shared exploration, we’ll gather in person to reflect, integrate, and deepen the lived experience of yoga – collectively.
Fall dates, a full schedule of events, and registration will be announced soon.
This will be an in-person event, and space will be limited.
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200HR Yoga Teacher Training – Spring 2026
If exploring the practice of yoga has been on your mind our 200HR Yoga Teacher Training is an in-depth way to dive in, explore the practice, explore yourself, and have the certification to teach others to do the same. Reserve Your Spot for the next 200HR Yoga Teacher Training which begins in March 25, 2026. Book a Meet & Greet with Stephanie to learn more!
Questions? Email stephaniepower.ayc@gmail.com.
Let’s grow collectively,
-Stephanie
PS: Our Yoga Inspiration is now bigger and better. Join the Yoga Inspiration Collective! Find us on our new Instagram Channel @yoga_inspiration_collective
What is the Yoga Inspiration Collective? A community that encourages curiosity and education about yoga. We will explore principles that help you move from uncertainty and self-doubt to confidence and clarity. You will be part of a community that helps you become more confident and clearer, grounded and consistent in practice, present on and off your mat, connected in community.