Thanksgiving is over and I have mixed emotions. The family gathered, this delicious rosemary and beer turkey was devoured, crazy amounts of this pumpkin pie were inhaled, and we stopped just long enough to remember how BLESSED we truly are. It’s so easy to go through the motions and buy into the “let’s do all the things right now” mentality, and forget to actually slow our roll and just appreciate. I am so grateful for my family and friends that stick by me, as I do life. Trust me, it’s not easy!;-)
As I wrap my head around all things Christmas and who knows what else will jump on the calendar when I’m not looking, I plan to do things more consciously, eliminating anything stressful that does not bring true joy to myself or others. Yes, I’m ambitious and crazy unrealistic, but I plan to take a more laid back approach to decorating and celebrating this year.
5 Ways To
Celebrate Simply This Christmas…
#1: Do Your Best And
Forget The Rest
Commit to 1 day of decorating your home like a rockstar and then call it good! As a momprenuer, I tend to be my own worst enemy, and being a designer too, definitely knocks those expectations up a few notches. Who says you need to transform your home into a Winter Wonderland, when you just want a cozy place to relax. Do YOU. Do what works for your family. Make this holiday budget and skip the rest. If you decide to add little touches later, than go for it, but at least the pressure is off!
#2: Choose Simple Over Complicated
Stick with Christmas decor like Farmhouse style, that offer a simple approach to decorating this year. Think natural elements like green garlands, this simple and adorable DIY hot cocoa bar and loads of cozy books and blankets. Think simple meals and easy activities. Instead of going out to every Santa breakfast and pop-up craft fair you can find, take a breather, stay home and make dough ornaments (recipe below) that double as fun family time and make thoughtful gifts too! Choose simple even if it feels hard at first. Trust me. Your family and your nerves will thank you later.
Salt Dough Ornaments
1 cup salt – 1 cup flour – 1/2 cup water
- Knead together to form dough
- Roll out and cut shapes with cookie cutters
- Poke hole in top with a straw
- Bake at 200 degrees for 3 hours
- Paint and seal as desired
#3: Find Treasures Online
Two years ago, when I had a major health crisis, I needed to simplify things, no excuses, so I did most of my shopping online. It made gift hunting more enjoyable and a lot less stressful because I gave myself more time to wander without the pressure of a list hanging over my head. I spent less, and found more meaningful gifts and festive decor I loved. FYI Amazon Prime is my BFF.
#4: Trim The Tree YOUR Way
My husband will tell you how much I loath putting ALL the ornaments on the tree. Don’t get me wrong, I love having a beautiful Christmas tree with twinkling white lights! I love trimming our tree, but I find that we don’t need to put every. single. ornament. up just because it’s in the box. Do what feels like enough and call it good. Same goes for all the other decorations. Do you really need vintage santa mugs set for 20? Prooooobably not.
#5: Just Say No…To Others Expectations
It’s a fact that you can’t have very much fun if you’re too worried about others expectations, and it’s a sure way to be a total Grinch. So say “no” to a few invitations and take time for self-care like a quiet walk in the snow or make yourself a batch of Peppermint Bath Salts (recipe below) for long, hot soak. Instead of trying to do All. The. Things. focus on what matters – enjoying unscheduled time together. Make a list of the top 3 activities you’re family enjoys most at Christmas. I’m guessing it’s things more like building a snow man, and less things like being stuck in a crowded store of grumpy shoppers. Do less this season. You’ll have more time to do things you actually enjoy and you’ll be a lot nicer too! Win!
Peppermint Bath Salts
2 cups Epsom Salt
1/2 Cup Baking Soda
15 drops Peppermint essential oils
Stir all ingredients together and store in a pretty jar. Love pink? Add a little red food coloring and boom!
What ways do you celebrate simply during the holiday season? Any tips to share? Comment Below!