This is my favorite time of year! There is something about the holiday season that just brings me so much joy and new energy. There is something so rewarding about wrapping up another year and having that ‘fresh start’ feeling. But I also feel incredibly anxious and overwhelmed to do all the things. Anyone else?
It seems we quickly lose sight of what’s important and what the holiday season is really about. This year I’m doing things a little differently around here and I thought I would share some thoughts.
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One // Overspending
I hear so many people stress about the season and the cost of presents, cards, etc. It’s no fun to be stressed about paying your credit card bill for months to come – be real with your budget and take the pressure off yourself to get something for everyone. We always tend to host a secret Santa or white elephant gift exchange – it’s more fun and less pressure. And after all, it’s the thought that counts, not the gift or the price.
Two // Chasing the best deal
I love a good deal as much as the next person, but don’t feel pressured to purchase something just because it’s on sale. I remember growing up, my Mom and I would go to the outlet mall in Michigan City at midnight during black Friday – we’d fight the crowds, rummage through over-picked racks, and spend $150 just to get the 20% off deal. While it was fun, it just doesn’t have the same appeal these days. Crowds give me anxiety and I feel like I’m just pushing through them to get something I don’t even need. Make new traditions and try to remove the pressure to purchase something just because it’s ‘a good price’. Remember there will always be another sale and price is never the best reason to purchase something
Three // Stop pleasing everyone
This is the first time in 8 years that I won’t be going back home for the holidays. It’s still hard for me, and perhaps I’ll later wish I would have gone home. But right now, it just feels absurd to spend $800 on flights that are usually $400. I went home in November for a week to spend quality 1:1 time with my family without the stress of the holidays. Being in a split family, my time is usually spent driving 4+ hours in one day to visit everyone. It’s not fun for me and I feel like I’m never in the right place and I’m always disappointing somebody.
Four // Save your energy
There are so many events happening this holiday season and it’s OK if you don’t attend all of them. Say ‘no’ to invites that feel more like an obligation and save your energy for the people/events that you’re actually excited about.
At the end of the day, this holiday season is supposed to be fun. Enjoy this season and don’t take things too seriously. Show up for yourself and give yourself the same love you give to others. x
Is there anything you’re giving up this holiday season?
