You don’t have to live just north of Whoville to feel a little stressed this time of year. The holidays bring joy, family and a whole lot of togetherness – but they’re also a lot of work. In the whirlwind of holiday parties, neighbor gifts, classroom activities and out-of-town guests, it's easy to lose sight of the big picture: This season isn’t about perfection or extravagant gestures; it's about creating fun, lasting memories with loved ones.
Make this merry season a little more memorable by keeping the holiday spirit top of mind.
Start with a Plan, But Stay Flexible
Planning might be crucial if you want your holidays to go off without a hitch, but it's equally important to stay flexible. Sketch out a rough plan for your celebrations, including meals, gatherings and shopping. With that in mind, remember the plan is a guideline, not a strict rulebook! If something needs to change at the last minute (spoiler alert: it inevitably will!), embrace it with a positive attitude.
Simplify with Holiday Touches
Attention, Clark Griswold: Decorating for the holidays can easily turn into a chore. Simplify gatherings with small, festive touches, like holiday dinner napkins at your family dinner, or one of our favorite tea towels to make your kitchen a bit merrier. Keeping your mind more on your guests and activities, and less on your surroundings will help you enjoy holiday gatherings more than ever.
Focus on Quality Time
The real gift of the holiday season is time – and you don’t want to waste it. Plan activities that foster togetherness, like baking cookies, watching holiday movies or playing board games. You don't need elaborate plans; sometimes, the simplest activities are the most cherished.
Create Traditions
Traditions are the backbone of holiday memories – and they can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Consider starting a new tradition this year, like a holiday craft or gingerbread-making night, or initiate a yearly photo in matching holiday pajamas or aprons. Traditions create that magical anticipation that define the holiday season, giving everyone something special to look forward to each year.
Gift Thoughtfully, Not Lavishly
Gift-giving is a highlight of the holiday season, but it shouldn't be a source of stress. Focus on thoughtful, meaningful gifts rather than expensive ones. Instead of trying to check off every item on an elaborate gift list, try to find something the recipient would really love – even if he/she never asked for it! Remember, it's the thought that counts, not the price tag.
Share the Joy of Cooking
Holidays wouldn’t be holidays without sentimental and traditional foods that mean something to each of us. Those traditions will mean even more when you involve your family and friends in the cooking process. Not only will this ease the pressure of cooking and hosting for others, it also fosters a sense of togetherness and the joy of creating something wonderful (and delicious!) together.
Take Time for Yourself
Every Santa can use some self-care! In the hustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget your own mental and emotional wellbeing. Take some time to decompress this season; read a book, take a long bath, enjoy a crisp walk or a hot yoga session. However you recharge, make sure you’re doing it!
Embrace Imperfection
The pursuit of a ‘perfect’ holiday can be a huge source of stress. Embrace imperfection and remember that the quirks and mishaps often make the best memories. A burnt pie or a collapsing Christmas tree might be stressful in the moment, but will likely be a fond and funny memory for years to come.
Document the Memories
The holidays only come once a year, so make sure to document the moments. Take photos or keep a holiday journal you can look back on over the years – you’ll likely find that old photos are your family’s most prized posessions.
Give Back
No grinches here! The holiday season is a time of giving and gratitude. Involve your family in giving back to the community, whether through volunteering, donating to a charity or simply performing small acts of kindness. This not only sets a great example for children but also brings a deeper meaning to your celebrations.
Reflect and Be Grateful
Finally, take a moment during those busy holiday days to reflect on the year and express gratitude. Sharing what you’re thankful for can be a powerful way to connect with your loved ones and keep the true spirit of the holidays alive.
While we’re reflecting on gratitude, we want you to know how thankful we are for you! We love our customers and community and wish you all a happy, healthy and beautiful holiday season!