The holidays are here again! The older I get, the faster the years go.
As we enter the hustle and bustle, please remember:
Purchasing prepared foods does NOT make you lazy.
Sometimes this is the best use of time or the only way there are going to be cookies for the party. Nobody will notice, they will be too busy enjoying your good company since you won't be exhausted from doing "all the things".
Budgeting and tracking spending does NOT make you cheap.
Quite the opposite, it can avoid shock and disbelief when you look at your account balances in January. That can help begin 2023 feeling more secure financially.
Choosing NOT to participate does NOT make you boring.
Sometimes we need to protect our energy levels, our mental well-being, and that of others. When you spend every moment being busy and running from one event to the other, nobody enjoys the moments when they present themselves. This also includes gift exchanges, year-end club recruitments, committee requests, and other opportunities that present themselves this time of the year.
Using your crockpot does NOT mean you can't cook.
On the contrary, this appliance allows you to have a home-cooked meal waiting for you when you arrive home. This meal will most likely be more nutritious than running through the drive-through or having pizza delivered, and also more economical.
Minimal holiday decor does NOT mean you lack creativity.
Simple decor can make home or office feel more comfortable, less cluttered, and make it easier to relax. Especially in homes with children and/or pets, there is also less likely for items to get broken, damaged, or lost. This also makes set up and tear down more streamlined. Have enough decor to start your own Christmas store? Consider rotating items and having a new look or theme each Christmas.
Using these approaches, hopefully, there can be experiences of peace, sanity, increased relaxation, enhanced joy, and more quality time with people you enjoy, which is priceless.
If you have any tips or suggestions on how to make the most of this wonderful time of year, please share them.