Holiday Giving

Giving back with more fun and less stuff!

• Prioritize your priorities

The first step towards simplifying the holidays is to figure out what your priorities are. Take some time to get clear about what’s most important to you during the holidays.

Then make sure you prioritize your priorities!

Always come back to your priorities to decide if a holiday activity or commitment is important to you.

Being intentional involves accepting that you can’t do everything. You need to pick what is most important to you and focus on those things, then let the rest go.

For me, spending time with the people I love is my most important priority during the holidays.

For example, I would rather spend less time cooking on Christmas day, enjoying a simpler meal instead. And then be able to spend more time creating memories with my family.

• Adjust your expectations

Adjusting your expectations and perspective is important to simplify the holidays.

There’s also the saying “something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read” to help keep from going overboard buying gifts for your kids.

Also shopping earlier in the season, or doing your shopping online, is a great way to avoid the holiday shopping crowds and craziness.

• Keep your focus on gratitude

Remembering to focus on things you are grateful for can go a long way to shift your perspective during the holidays.

Actively look for things to be grateful for. Take the time to notice and appreciate the simple joys during the holidays.

Remember you and your family’s holiday memories probably won’t be about who got what, or how many dessert options there were. What you remember is the time you spend together.

• Take the stress out of receiving gifts during the holidays

It can be stressful worrying about gifts for you or your kids adding clutter to your home after the holidays. But a few simple strategies can help manage incoming holiday gifts to prevent clutter and stress.

First of all, prepare a list of gift ideas for you and your kids for anyone who asks. 

Be intentional with how you spend your time.  Keep decorations simple.  Keep baking and cooking simple.  Enjoy the beauty of the season: lights, hot cocoa, Tree lightings, and being home with your family.