With the holidays approaching, it’s the perfect (and necessary) time to take a deep breath and to ask yourself, “Am I keeping things simple?”
Simplicity is a gift. It will give you the gift of time and space. (Things we all need!) To help get your simplicity brainstorming muscles working, I’m going to give you three simple areas you can focus on to, say it with me sisters, simplify!
Simple Days
The end of the year can be the busiest time of the year. So…work to stay in front of your commitments and to not over commit yourself (or your family). It’s better to be underwhelmed than overwhelmed. Most great holiday memories happen more spur of the moment anyhow! Use your time intentionally to create more memories. By protecting the margins in your life, you’ll be more likely to make more lasting memories. Time is a gift, so make sure that you give it and also save it, intentionally.
Simple Gifts
Shopping for gifts can be really fun! And, let’s be honest, a little stressful too. What size does she wear? Does he still have that hobby? Is that still her favorite color? When would he really ever use this? Aren’t these all questions that run through your mind?
Well, simplify this year, and focus instead on giving gifts from the heart. I’m not saying purchased gifts are not gifts from the heart, but keep in mind what people instead need from you. Gifts such as time, attention, and service. (If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the IKEA “The Other Letter” on YouTube…tears.) Keeping it simple can simply mean, keeping the focus more on giving your presence, rather than giving presents.
Simple Traditions
This is something I would have told my much younger self. Don’t start “daily” traditions. Just don’t! Eventually these “daily” traditions will become overwhelming. They sound so cute and fun when you read about them and see all the cute Pinterest ideas, but then YOU have to be the one actually hiding the Elf and being creative about it too! (I’m the one who has had numerous Tooth Fairy fails, and “she” only needs to make a rare appearance.)
My kids haven’t even asked about the Elf and I (or course) have not brought it up either. If you like staging the Elf, keep on keeping on! If you haven’t, really think about if you want that commitment. Or whatever tradition you’ve thought about… (This is coming from the mom who is still typing up daily advent “fun activities” for 25 days every December. Whose idea was that? Oh, that’s right…mine.) Tread lightly with traditions so you can keep the fun in the mix, and not just the function.
What is one thing YOU really want this year? Besides simplicity, of course!
