Hey friends!
I cannot believe we are already thinking about the upcoming holiday season. I mean… Where did this entire year go?! Time seems to slip past at a quicker pace with the passing of each milestone in my children’s lives. I sure wish it would slow down just a smidge. Because of this ever quickening passage of time, I decided at the beginning of this year to make a conscious effort to live a more intentional life. To simplify and be more present. I’m happy to report that I feel I have succeeded in my endeavor for the first half; now, to finish strong and bring you right along with me!
As I plan a more simplified holiday season for my own family this year, I wanted to share a few tips with anyone who is seeking the same fulfillment as I am. If you’ve been looking for ways to slow down and savor this time of joy, I know you’ll find some goodness here that will help you fully embrace this time of year with your family. Don’t let it slip by in a whirlwind of to-do’s and frantic shuffling from one place to the next. Trying to keep up with all of the many enticing options the coming season brings will surely lead to burnout or at the very least, a disconnect from what matters most. If you’re ready to embark on a more meaningful holiday filled with both new experiences and holiday traditions alike, then read on dear mama.
Planning
This year, we’re going to be fully present and ready to take on this holiday season with a calm mind and a solid plan.
As Autumn and the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activities, decorations, and obligations. But what if this year, we did things a bit differently and make a conscious effort to ditch to holiday stress? What if we embraced a slower, simpler approach to the holidays? Let’s take a deep breath and explore how to make this season one of calm and enjoyment, focusing on the family values and moments that truly matter; such as spending quality time with our family and friends.
Today I want to touch on the 3 major holidays that come to mind when anyone mentions “Holiday Season”: Halloween, Thanksgiving, and of course, Christmas. *cue the jingle bells* I am fully aware there are many other major holidays being celebrated over the coming months; however, I’m sticking to these three in particular as they are the main ones I have experience with! All tips and advice can be put toward any holiday or occasion you’ll be celebrating to round out your year.
Halloween
Enchanted evenings + simplified traditions
Admittedly, Halloween has always been my least favorite holiday. All the spooky things, practical jokes and scary movies have never really been… thrilling… for me. However, I’ve found myself warming up in recent years as I watch my sweet kiddos get excited for the season.
Halloween can be an alluring time for both kids and adults, it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Start by pre-planning any outings or activities you want to enjoy during the entire month of October. Maybe it’s a visit to the pumpkin patch or a local fall festival. Maybe it a simple backyard campfire and s’mores to welcome the season of cooler weather and sweet treats.
Keep your calendar light this month! Choosing just a couple of special events instead of packing in every possible activity will pay dividends in the calmness you will feel. Saying “No” to the hurried culture of this generation can feel so empowering! You’ll be more likely to follow through with your calendar if it has fewer obligations on it AND more likely to enjoy the occasion with your family. Don’t forget to take pictures! You’ll have so much fun looking back on them in a few years.
If expensive costumes are a source of stress, keep in mind that simplicity can be just as charming as elaborate get-ups. Consider DIY costumes using items you already have at home, or let your kids’ imaginations run wild with dress-up clothes they already own. Focus on the fun of trick-or-treating and carving pumpkins together; making memories rather than seeking perfection.
Thanksgiving
Gratitude + time well spent
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude and togetherness, and it doesn’t have to come with a side of stress and exhaustion. Pre-plan your holiday meals and shopping to avoid last-minute rushes. Consider simplifying your menu by choosing a few key dishes that your own family loves, rather than attempting a massive feast. Pot lucks are also a perfect option when getting together with your extended family. Good food is comfort food, at the end of the day the elaborate preparations are not necessary to enjoy this time with family and friends. If it’s going to add to your stress levels, go ahead and take it off your plate!
Saying “No” to the hurried culture of this generation can feel so empowering!
Despite our best efforts, Thanksgiving can feel like a lot of work so be intentional and keep your obligations to a minimum. It’s okay to say no to some invitations and prioritize time with your own family. Use this time to reflect on your blessings and perhaps start a new tradition of sharing what you’re thankful for around the dinner table. Remember, it’s the quality of the time spent together, not the quantity of dishes on the table, that makes Thanksgiving special. Simple holidays are the goal, and honestly it will make for a more enjoyable experience overall.
Christmas
Cherish the Moments | Embrace the magic
The Christmas season can often feel like a marathon of events, gifts, and expectations. This year, aim to pre-plan your holiday outings and activities. A family meeting may be in order here to establish expectations for a simpler Christmas and maybe even discuss your family’s core values. What kind of holiday legacy do you want to leave? Choose a few meaningful experiences, like visiting a local holiday market, or oing as a family to pick out your Christmas tree. A leisurely drive around town to see the lights and Christmas decorations has always been a favorite past-time of mine!
Keep your calendar open with free days to relax and enjoy spontaneous moments. Gift-giving can (and should) be simplified too! Focus on thoughtful, meaningful gifts rather than sheer quantity. Homemade items, experience gifts, or simply spending time together can be far more precious than anything bought in a store. (We all watched the Grinch right? Take notes next time!) Even if you have been known to go over the top with gifting in years past, it is not too late to make intentional changes for the sake of your family and your own mental health. Take the initiative to enjoy what truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Don’t let a tight budget or the pressure of hosting a perfect holiday party make you forget about the true spirit of the season. The holiday rush can be avoided if you are careful and intentional in your planning. Let the center of your celebration be time well spent with your favorite people and may your dreams of a simpler holiday season come true.
Find Contentment
The Benefits of a Slow Holiday Season
By pre-planning and keeping your obligations to a minimum, you’ll find yourself with more time to truly enjoy the ever enchanting season that is upon us. Free days on your calendar and a shorter to-do list allows for unexpected joys to find their way into your life. Less financial stress and the chance to slow down and truly be present with your loved ones are definite bonuses! Living more slowly and mindfully allows you the opportunity to savor the moments that make your family’s holiday experience magical.
Slowing down helps reduce stress and allows you to focus on what truly matters. The joy of being with family and friends, the warmth of cherished traditions, and the beauty of simple pleasures. It’s about quality over quantity, and presence over perfection.
Bonus tip:
Delete your social media apps. To be able to truly connect with those right in front of you. Comparison is the thief of joy after all. There will always be someone with a more creative costume, better Christmas light display, or obnoxiously impressive apple pie with a perfectly brown crust that looks like Davinci painted a masterpiece on it before it went into the oven. Opt out.
You will feel so much better about every aspect of your life when you remove this major distraction. I have never once regretted taking time off from my social accounts but have certainly felt the sting of guilt when I find myself lost in a mindless scrolling pattern; especially if I am in the presence of my children. Your family deserves your full attention. Read that again and take action, if needed!
So Ladies, this holiday season, let’s give ourselves the gift of simplicity and slowness. Let’s embrace the joy of less, the peace of fewer obligations, and the magic of being fully present. Here’s to a holiday season filled with calm, connection, and contentment.
Wishing you a beautifully simple and slow holiday season,
Olivia
Ahhh! This is so needed! So many have complicated the holiday season! Pinning and sharing!