Creating a meaningful holiday experience
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With the current political divide, fear of COVID-19, and the strain of economic uncertainty, the 2020 holiday season might be one of the most stressful seasons of our lifetime. That isn’t great news for the 69% of Americans, who in 2019, were already feel overwhelming levels of stress during the holidays.
However, we still possess the power to infuse joy and contentment into our holiday routines, creating memorable experiences for our families. All you need is an open mind and the courage to say NO, thank you.
Eliminate Expectations
2020 has done a great job of teaching us to eliminate some expectations from our lives, but it also introduced new pressures. We don't usually permit ourselves to declutter expectations, especially the self-inflicted ones (which most are). Stop trying to create the "perfect" holiday on social media and stop burdening yourself with the expectations of others. Start creating traditions that serve your family by discussing what a meaningful holiday means to each of you, and then honor that intention.
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify!
Fewer dishes prepared means less overeating and clean-up. Fewer gifts exchanged mean less physical clutter and stress on your budget. Limiting commitments like holiday parties mean fewer miles traveled and more time at home with your family.
Holiday abundance is a uniquely American tradition, and it has us frazzled and broke. You are the gatekeeper to your family's holiday experience— you have permission to be vigilant!
The Gift Of Grace
The holiday season is about peace, joy, and goodwill. Be mindful of negative emotional clutter. Resentment hinders your ability to be gracious, thankful, and content. Offer others and yourself the best holiday gift—the gift of grace.
Although the holiday season offers us a unique opportunity to pause and reflect on the past year, our ability to change course and be mindful of our intentions presents itself every day!
Are you interested in learning more about creating a more meaningful and clutter-free holiday season?
Listen to my webinar, Setting Your Holiday Intentions w/ Life Done Simply. This judgment-free webinar is for anyone who would like to learn how to create new intentions for the holidays, set gift-giving boundaries, and successfully communicate their intentions to family & friends!
Aimee Olson of Life Done Simply is a Productivity and Organizing Coach and is a member of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO).
