5 ways not to wear yourself out over the holidays
I write this knowing what January often feels like for me and I have assumptions about you as well. Maybe we’re different in this way. But as December has suddenly appeared, let’s make the most of it - cherishing people and moments! Let’s slow down ourselves despite the speed that everyone else might be going. Yes, it’s possible to inwardly go slow and relish while the rest of the world blinks and misses. Here’s how to not wear yourself out over the holidays:
Stick to the gift list.
To stick to the list, you’ve got to start with a list. Otherwise, you’ll get sucked into all the holiday deals and specials and end up with more gifts for yourself than for others or you’ll scramble too close to Christmas! Consider something living. Trader Joe’s paperwhite bulbs, swags and wreaths are great gifts given at the start of December. Consider your generosity. How can you truly bless someone that wows them to be a blessing to another?
Choose events wisely.
Ben and I had a previous Christmas season full of parties and saying yes was the jolliest part! Then when it came to one right after the other, we looked at one another and realized we were out all the time and were missing the season at home with our kids. Before you say yes, consider the family, your time, and the reason for the season.
Don’t do it all.
Acknowledge this on the front end and you’ll end up with margin in December that creates this beautiful breathing room to ponder and wonder. Allow yourself to think to the end of December and look back. How would you like to spend it? That’s it!
Decorate less.
Choose a handful of things to display for the holidays.
Something that welcomes the season.
Something that sparks your childhood.
Something that reminds you of the meaning of Christmas.
Something that is unique to your family.
We will decorate with our nativity scene, family Christmas photos, our tree full of memorable ornaments, children’s Christmas picture books, and a small Advent tree with Ann’s ornaments.
Create your own traditions.
All rules are thrown out on this one! What we did in other places we’ve lived can’t always be carried over. The season of life we’re in doesn’t lend itself to the same Polar Express mini-van ride we did when the kids were little! We now get dressed up as a family and all work together to cook a feast at home. We go all out on our annual Cookies and Cocoa and I wrap up waiting pajamas to unwrap at the start of Advent. And we’re still going to be spontaneous and get in said minivan and go on a drive and look at Christmas lights around town! Just be okay with traditions changing through the seasons.
New friend and author, Jodie Barrett wrote an Advent devotional: - Jingle and Joy: Praying Beneath the Tree. Jodie reminds us that getting caught up in the busyness of life can cause us to miss out on the most beautiful season of the year. You can order your copy here. And she’s giving one away today!
Leave a comment on which way resonates with you and share this post with 3 friends! (that’s your entry!)
What do you do with the Christmas cards that make it into your real mailbox?
Check out this idea: What to do with Christmas cards