Slow Down And Keep It Simple!
It’s that time of year again, the holidays, where hustle and bustle has become the norm. I’ve always been one of those people who tries to get things done early, (the decorating, the shopping, the cards and the baking), so I can supposedly relax and enjoy them as the time draws closer.
I usually try and put a big dent in my tasks over Thanksgiving weekend, but this year, so far, has been a little different. Thanksgiving weekend was filled with lots of family and other plans, and by Sunday I just needed a little recovery. By Sunday evening I was feeling a little guilty about it all and decided I at least had to start my Christmas letter. I wrote a bit and then thought…”What is the rush anyway?” I have a whole month to get everything done. Why not this year try and relax and be present in the moment enjoying the decorating, the shopping, etc., instead of feeling overwhelmed by it all. Who needs all of the hustle and bustle anyway? Most people get enough of it in their day to day life.
Why not this year, try and simplify the holidays all around. I recently read, All Wrapped Up, an article in Body + Soul magazine, by Cheryl Richardson, that talked about how the best gifts come from the heart. “Too often, time constraints and financial limitations completely overshadow the magic of searching for a present that reflects the essence of a loved one. To get a handle on your holidays, consider creatively recasting the way you swap presents with friends and family, vowing to give only homemade gifts, for instance, or pooling resources to make a donation to a mutually agreed upon cause.” Listed below are some other ideas and suggestions from the article.
Ideas that make things less costly and emotionally stressful:
- Spend Only $4.98: Each person can spend exactly $4.98 on a gift—no more, no less. You can buy just 1 thing, or several, as long as together they total the designated amount. Give it a try, or come up with some other agreed upon amount. You’ll have fun and won’t break the bank.
- Make A Wish Jar: Purchase a ceramic, or glass jar and write, with the word, “Ambitions” on it. Next come up with 50 dreams, or goals you’ve heard a loved one talk about over the years and write them down on 50 little folded pieces of paper to include in the jar. This gift will not only express your thoughtfulness, but show how much you care and your effort put forth.
- Write A Love Letter: What a meaningful way to express how much you care about a person, something a gift alone could never express.
- Give Yourself: Offer to help someone out with a task, or help them out with something you are skilled at.
- Create A Book: Create a journal of special memories with photos, drawings, quotes, writings, etc.
Last night, I decorated the Christmas tree that Chris and our youngest daughter picked out the night before. My family was busy and our oldest daughter is away at college, so I thought I’d decorate it myself to make our house festive. I have to admit, I’ve never decorated alone before, but I actually enjoyed it! I put on some Christmas music, poured a glass of wine and got in the spirit of things. I think I could actually get use to this, “Enjoying The Present Moment Thing!”
Happy Holidays and thanks for reading!
Barb
Following is a photo of this years Christmas tree:
Posted in Uncategorized on November 29th, 2007 by Barb | |
