I’m going to let you in on a little secret. No, I’m not, you already know this. But, if you are stressed out right now you surely need a reminder.
Christmas isn’t about the big presents and the fancy decorations.
It also isn’t about cramming as many holiday activities and festivities in during the month of December as you possibly can. It isn’t about having the biggest Christmas party, or the biggest tree, or the most presents under it. Instead, Christmas is about spending time with loved ones, exchanging meaningful gifts, and enjoying each other’s company. And for many you can’t forget the spiritual aspect of this holiday that often gets lost in the hustle and bustle of our commercialized days.
Slow Down This Year
Start by slowing down this year. It’s hard to enjoy this special season when your calendar is so full that you’re simply rushing from one event to the next. Instead of aiming to fit it all in, do it all, and go all out on everything from decorating the house and yard to hosting various Christmas parties, slow down. Take a breath and look around you. Enjoy this time with your family. Snuggle up on the couch and watch a favorite holiday movie or two or three. Make some crafts you’ve had on your Pinterest board forever and invite some girlfriends over. Take a nap or sip a cup of peppermint mocha. Slow down and soak it all in. If you take the time to make meaningful memories, you have something that will last a lifetime.
Scale Back On Everything
The biggest problem with doing too much and having too much is that it all loses meaning. This is particularly true around Christmas. “Go big or go home” doesn’t really work well. A couple of well-chosen presents is much more memorable than a big pile of 25 to 30 things that looks impressive at first glance.
Instead of going all out with the decorations, do a few things well and choose items that have meaning to you and your family. Instead of buying more and more gifts, set a limit and spend both time and money on quality instead of quantity. Instead of hosting huge Christmas dinners, fix something nice for the people that mean the most to you.
Focus On The Truly Important Stuff
In other words, force yourself to focus on the truly important stuff. What memory do you want to have of right now, come February? Who are the people you want to spend this special season with? What holiday events and gatherings are most important to you and your family? Focus on the truly important stuff, be it spiritual or just for fun and enjoy this holiday season.
If you are ready to enjoy the holidays for all they are worth, I encourage you to sign up for access to Unperfect Holidays. It’s free to listen in.
Happiness is a choice. Live with no regrets,
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