Yes, you read that right. I know most of you probably think this time of year is headache inducing, stressful, hurried and busy. It doesn’t have to be. If anything, this time of year should be more relaxing, simple and slow. Whatever holiday it is you celebrate, at the heart of it all is love, family, gratitude, and reflection. It doesn’t have to be a month filled with chaos, overspending, and stress.
I am planning a very quiet holiday season with family and friends. I am looking forward to it because I am going to make it what I envision – small, quiet, relaxing. Throughout the month of December, I will be posting ideas for recipes, gifts, decorations and more, and at the heart of all of them is that it’s okay to be imperfect, it’s okay to not spend a lot of money and it’s okay to embrace simplicity at this time of year.
I am encouraging myself and you to take time to bake and get flour in your hair, take time for a weekend nap when you should be stamping holiday cards, take time to read stories and watch movies as a family. Also, remind yourself that it’s okay to say no if you have too much on your plate. It’s also okay to ask others to help you with what you need to get done. My goal is to make it to January 2nd and look back on this month knowing it was time well spent with my family, focused on the things that truly matter and have meaning in my life.
What do you hope for the holiday season? Do you want quiet and relaxing or do you love the hustle and bustle and chaos? Whatever makes your heart happy, I hope you’ll be sure to celebrate it over the next month.
I’m all for quiet and relaxing Emily. In fact, yesterday – I did get a short nap in, and took time to build a snowman with my youngest son (only to be destroyed later in the day when it became a tackling dummy!). It was all good. And, just what I needed for a lazy Sunday afternoon… Here’s to many more of these throughout the month of December…
Lance´s last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
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I agree- I am not going to be go, go, going this year. We are trying to modify some of our holiday plans and our giving is modified this year with everyone struggling. I think it will be such a great change in focus.
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Great reminder. I’m trying not to get stressed out about cyber Money deals for things that are close to what I want but not good enough. In some cases it’s worth paying more and not beating yourself up afterward.
Looking forward to a quiet holiday season. Micah and I don’t get very involved, so we’ll probably do little more than spend the actual holidays with our parents. And we’ll walk around looking at Christmas lights, go out for Christmas coffee, take advantage of the season.
Mrs. Micah´s last blog post..Great Customer Service from Wachovia
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Seems like all of the stress of the holidays is counter-intuitive to what they really stand for! Thanks for bringing the point home.
FFB´s last blog post..8 Ways The Economic Crisis Can Be Good For You
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This will be the most relaxing holiday season of my life. I cannot wait. We have fewer plans and less company. All four of us need the rest and are looking forward to it.
Writer Dad´s last blog post..Writer Dad in Rough Draft
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Holidays on our farm are always simple. Plus most of my gifts are homemade or very frugal…so I stay away from the shops. Spending time with family is what matters most to me.
Squawkfox´s last blog post..Holiday Gifts: 10 Frugal and Homemade Gift Ideas
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One Christmas program this week and no scheduled Christmas parties at all – so far so good. I’m all about the keeping it simple.
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I just popped over here from “Living Locurto” to say congrats on winning her “Best Mommy Award!”
Your blog looks like a lovely place to be.
The Arthur Clan´s last blog post.."Frat Boys" Funny.
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I totally agree with you here, Emily! What I enjoy most about Christmas is being cozy with my family at home. I don’t want to go running around to different parties and events, and I don’t like fighting through the crowds at the mall. I do most of my shopping online in October and November and then spend December wrapping gifts, making Christmas candy to give to family and friends, watching Christmas movies, and drinking hot chocolate. A lazy holiday is the best kind in my book!
Julia @ Hooked on Houses´s last blog post..Can You Guess Which Celebrity Baby Sleeps Here?
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Absolutely spot on.
If you have young kids, this is a magical time of year for them, and no better time than to take a deep breath, slow down and enjoy the season with them.
Let them help you bake. That flour in your hair goes double for them. It’s so much fun.
Take the time out to look at holiday displays. Even the youngest will love the lights.
Spend a weekend as a family caroling, wrapping gifts for those less fortunate and more.
I hope everyone takes this post to heart, it’s what the season is all about.
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Well, I like the idea of slowing down and taking it easy. But how to make that reality seems to evade me.
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[...] when I said I want to slow down? Well, I do. It’s just not been as easy as I’d idealistically imagined. I am still [...]
I’m right with you on this one. As a family we’re shooting for the same peaceful season. It’s so much nicer isn’t it?
Nicki´s last blog post..Ever Have ‘One Of Those Days?’
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