Do less and enjoy more this Christmas

Christmas is supposed to be a fun time of year where you celebrate your beliefs and spend quality time with family.  Very often though, we find ourselves rushing around and feeling more stress than joy.

       Here are 6 activities you can take a break from this year, so that you can have more time to enjoy the simple things. I think we can all appreciate a shorter to do list any time of the year!

 1. Over the top décor

Maybe all you do this year is a tree.  Or maybe you don’t do a tree but hang some lights and set out some other decorations.  If you are someone who goes all out on the decorations, maybe this year you pick just one less thing to decorate.

2. Christmas cards

I did Christmas cards a few years ago and I haven’t done it since! It was so time consuming and actually much more expensive than I thought.  Postage is kinda outrageous.  I like the idea of cards and I certainly enjoy receiving them but I think I might only do them every 3-5 years.

3. The Mall

As a kid I loved going to the mall at Christmas, when I was a bit older I was allowed to shop with a friend so that little bit of independence was amazing.  I loved seeing all the decorations and looking in all the stores looking for the perfect (but cheap) gifts.

I realized last week that I really am not a fan of the mall anymore.  I might be getting old and grumpy but the crowds are overwhelming, and besides the stores aren’t really appealing to me this year.  I would much rather go to a smaller niche store, buy from small businesses or shop online.

4. Gifts

This is a hard one for some people.  I admit it is for me too.  But we have definitely scaled down who we exchange gifts with over the years.  It’s so much pressure financially and mentally trying to find the “perfect” gift.  Maybe talk to some of your family members and see about not exchanging gifts.  Instead just spend time together doing something fun!

5. Baking

This is not something I do every year for various reasons.  Sometimes I just don’t feel like it.  I find that when you make special baking at Christmas every year that people come to expect it.  And that’s ok, but it’s also ok to say “not this year”.  I’m sure there are a lot of local bakers that would be happy to whip you up a great treat tray.

6. Traditions

I’m not saying you should throw your family traditions that mean so much to you out the window.  All I’m really trying to say is that it is OK to maybe skip a year once in awhile, or to pass the torch so someone else can carry the load for a year.  You also don’t have to ditch all the traditions, maybe just pick one to give yourself a break from.   Who knows maybe this will allow you to try something new and spontaneous!

I realize, to some of you, this may seem like a Grinch or Scrooge type list.  That’s not my intention. What I’m saying, is that you can give yourself permission to let some of these things go.  If you are feeling overwhelmed by the season or are just not feeling in the Christmas spirit, pick one or 2 things from this list to not do this year.  Just because you aren’t doing it this year doesn’t mean you won’t do it again.  Keep it simple, make memories and do what brings you joy this time of year.