How to Put the Calm Back Into Christmas
By Sherrie Le Masurier
By Sherrie Le Masurier
We tend to get into the "yeah-but" when it's busy like the Christmas season is. We can always think of a reason why we're NOT taking time for ourselves.
If you can you relate to being overwhelmed by festive intentions and are buried under holiday expectations and have had enough, read on…
The key is destressing and simplifying your holidays is to stop and evaluate what you’re doing and why you are doing it. We tend to lose sight of our priorities when things get super busy. It's all about prioritizing, saying 'no' and letting go of the guilt.
Keeping things ‘simple’ is often the best, healthiest and most rewarding approach. That is at least when it comes to the things within our control like our attitude, schedule and priorities surrounding Christmas.
Here are just a few things to consider...
Accept that you can’t do it all. Give yourself permission to let some traditions go.
Learn to say no. Let go of the guilt.
Buy, don’t bake. Instead give the business to a local bake shop.
Call or send e-cards. It’s okay not send out traditional cards.
Wrap as you buy. Don’t leave it to the 24th and stay up all night wrapping.
Keep a list of last minute errands. Delegate where possible.
Opt finger food or potluck dinners. Forgo the formal sit-down and go casual.
Shop ASAP. Stock up now on groceries and beverages that will carry you through the New Year.
Trim to-do list. Ask yourself, “If I don’t do this, what will happen?” Pare down chores to only the necessary ones.
Spend within your means. Don't add financial stress by spending more than you can afford.
Still have gifts to buy? Opt for experiences and perishables, gift cards, re-gift, IOUs etc.
Last but not least, make your Christmas your Christmas. Stop comparing. What you have IS good enough.
Be present, enjoy the here and now. Hold on to what is most important and let go of the rest.
I wish you a meaningful and memorable Christmas full of only the things that are most important to you and your family.
If you can you relate to being overwhelmed by festive intentions and are buried under holiday expectations and have had enough, read on…
The key is destressing and simplifying your holidays is to stop and evaluate what you’re doing and why you are doing it. We tend to lose sight of our priorities when things get super busy. It's all about prioritizing, saying 'no' and letting go of the guilt.
Keeping things ‘simple’ is often the best, healthiest and most rewarding approach. That is at least when it comes to the things within our control like our attitude, schedule and priorities surrounding Christmas.
Here are just a few things to consider...
Accept that you can’t do it all. Give yourself permission to let some traditions go.
Learn to say no. Let go of the guilt.
Buy, don’t bake. Instead give the business to a local bake shop.
Call or send e-cards. It’s okay not send out traditional cards.
Wrap as you buy. Don’t leave it to the 24th and stay up all night wrapping.
Keep a list of last minute errands. Delegate where possible.
Opt finger food or potluck dinners. Forgo the formal sit-down and go casual.
Shop ASAP. Stock up now on groceries and beverages that will carry you through the New Year.
Trim to-do list. Ask yourself, “If I don’t do this, what will happen?” Pare down chores to only the necessary ones.
Spend within your means. Don't add financial stress by spending more than you can afford.
Still have gifts to buy? Opt for experiences and perishables, gift cards, re-gift, IOUs etc.
Last but not least, make your Christmas your Christmas. Stop comparing. What you have IS good enough.
Be present, enjoy the here and now. Hold on to what is most important and let go of the rest.
I wish you a meaningful and memorable Christmas full of only the things that are most important to you and your family.
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