Simplifying the Season

 

Let me know if you're feeling any of the following symptoms:

• An overwhelming desire to cut way back on your holiday obligations. I want to do the stuff that I really want to do. Like the Crazy Cousins Christmas Caroling Convention. And the annual Sunday morning go out for breakfast and get a new ornament for the tree excursion. And Grinch night with tea cakes and fudge even though I don't really like tea cakes, the fudge makes up for the tea cakes.

• Christmas cards? Everybody I know reads this blog. All y'all know way more about what's going on with me and my family than you did last year at this time. And maybe even some stuff you didn't want to know. If you even knew me last year at all. This could be considered sacrilegious considering the fact that I'm the creative editor of a paper crafting magazine, but I'm just tellin' it like it is.

• A need to simply enjoy experiences with your family and friends rather than shop until you drop. Like watch A Christmas Story. And It's a Wonderful Life. And maybe even Elf. A moonlight hike up Mill Creek Canyon would be lovely. Baking ginger snaps together would be divine. To be honest, the last place I want to be right now is a mall. 

• Wanting to spend less and give more meaningfully. After taking a class on sustainability recently, I just don't want more stuff that I don't really need. Every year my girls and I get a new pair of pajamas on Christmas Eve. Well, truth be told, I have three perfectly wonderful--and cute!-- pairs of jammie pies that aren't even stained. I need a new pair of pyjomes like I need to do jury duty next week (which is a possibility--I find out tomorrow night.) So, to be kind to mother earth, and my wallet, I'm going to abstain from jammie pies this year. And everything else that I don't really need. I'm OK with asking for things that are essential. But then when I think about it, what do I really need to be happy? I have good health, a lovely home, a great job, and fantastic family and friends. What's one more doo-dad going to be compared to all that?

• A desire to simply enjoy the moments of the season. Like last night stopping what I was doing to sing Christmas carols in harmony with Mark and Nicole who were practicing them together on their guitars. Like sipping a glass of wine in front of the glowing fire and the sparkling tree with my sweet man. Like breathing deeply and immersing myself in the magic of it all. I can't remember the last time I relaxed through the holidays. It was at least before I became a mother, and probably even before then.

Bottom line: I want to change my expectations for myself this year. Pay attention to the things I really want to do. Let go of the things I don't.

Mindful of the pie, I'll let you know how it goes.

Comments

[Kayla]

Amen! Seriously - you said a LOT of things on my mind this year...a lot better than I could. Thank you! :)

[Lindsay S.]

Perfect! I want to tell the people that don't really matter that I can't make it to their party this year, I am NOT sending Christmas cards(as you said, that's what my blog is for), I'm shopping online to avoid the stress of the crazy mindless women(no offense, you crazy women), and I'm going to make my slices of pie bigger too. I hope you stick to it. I'll try, and I'll come back when you tell us how yours went, and tell you how mine went.

[Tanis]

I don't usually read blog posts all the way through when they are long. But I saw your title and glanced at the headings and I had to save it and come back. I'm glad I did.
Wise words. I think our biggest demand is extended family. We love them so much, but it gets crazy driving from A to B to C to D in 3 days. But THIS year, the extended family moved the gatherings until AFTER Christmas. I am so relieved. So our Christmas will be a lot calmer this year. Now I need to work on the "other stuff".

[marta]

yes, yes, yes. great ideas. am attempting to slow down and really feel the spirit of the season as well. enjoy.

[Rachel]

Yep, totally agree. :)

[Sherry Wright]

I'm feeling the same way this year, you put it into words so well. Have a wonderful weekend.. and your new profile pic looks fab!!

[Joanne Basile]

Well said Cath! I second the motion.
Enjoy every minute, next year will be here before you know it. Lets make the best of the rest of this one....

[becky olsen]

That is how I am feeling, the need to simplify and enjoy the things that really matter.
You said it so concisely, thanks!
B-

[Alice Golden]

We are simplifying this year by not buying any gifts for any of the adult family members on our list...I found out that there are 20 homeless kids at my son's middle school - can you imagine! it's so sad - anyway, I told everyone about it at Thanksgiving and it was decided that we will make a donation to help provide them with Christmas instead. I know it should feel good just to be helping these kids, but selfishly I can't tell you how great it feels not to have to worry about what to buy everyone!