The first snow is forecasted for our area by the end of this week, and I have to say I am excited (don’t yell at me!). I am so ready to settle into the Christmas season, and for me, that means snow!
As we inch ourselves closer to the Christmas season, I find myself feeling a strong desire to simplify the holidays. Decor, events, gifts, everything. I want to streamline it all. As I have learned more about myself and what feeds my stress level, I now know that too much is definitely too much.
I am taking the time right now to really discern what actually makes me happy between Thanksgiving and Christmas. What events do we really enjoy (with little stress)? What decor gives us all the warm fuzzies without making us feel cluttered or overwhelmed? What traditions seem to be our favorites? And if anything isn’t serving our family, can we cut it out?
Pinterest is full of ideas on how to have the perfect holiday season. There are thousands of images of beautifully decorated homes, adorable new traditions to try with your kids, and all the matching family pajamas that money can buy. But so many of these “extras” can seriously weigh us down and distract us from what Christmas is all about.
For the past several years, I have really fallen prey to Pinterest. I have drooled over photographs that make me feel like my decorations aren’t enough. I have excessively purchased gifts for my children when I knew they would be happy with half as much. I have slaved over intricate baked goods and holiday meals, hoping to impress friends and family, and only feeling burned out and grumpy by the end.
I sincerely want better this year — not only for my family, but for myself. My happiness counts, too. I will not spread myself so thin that all that’s left for my children is a tired mama who can’t wait for everything to return to normal.
I can’t be the only one who desires a simpler, more streamlined, less chaotic, and truly sacred holiday season. How do you plan to simplify your Christmas?
