I’ve seen this excellent reminder from The Minimalist Mom floating around the interwebs recently and wow does it speak to me:

Holidays are a time of great joy, but they can also be stressful, overwhelming, expensive, and demanding of our limited and precious time. In recent years, as our family has grown and dynamics changed, I have felt especially squeezed and pretty depleted by December 26th. There are so many events to attend, gifts to buy, traditions to keep up, peoples’ expectations to meet, and so on. It’s easy to get pulled into the fray of it all and do things simply because we feel we should, not because it’s truly meaningful to us. I sometimes find it hard to keep sight of my values, my True North, in this season of busyness.

As we begin another holiday season, I want to be sure that we’re creating and honoring traditions that reflect our values as a family. In general, that means less stuff and more experiences, together. Less time buying and more time baking. Less consumerism, more caroling. These are formative years for our kids where they are learning what the holidays are all about. I want them to know the story of Christmas, the joy of giving (gifts, or cookies, or songs), the magic of believing, and the value of spending quality time with those we love. I don’t want them to think that Christmas is all about receiving piles of toys, eating endless amounts of sugar, and having stressed out parents. I want Polar Express, ice skating, making cookies, going caroling, lights in the windows, taking the train into the city, Christmas Eve Mass, and spending time with family. This is what matters to me; this is my True North (Pole)

So consider this your invitation to discard what no longer serves you. You are under no obligation to keep participating in traditions that drain you or leave you unfulfilled. It’s okay to opt out, to say no, to be protective over your time and energy, and to cultivate traditions that speak to your True North (Pole).

Wishing you a warm holiday season filled with wonder, joy, love, and peace. xoxo