As autumn turns to winter, many start to think about the holidays ahead. Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, bringing families and loved ones together. All around the world, approximately 2 billion people celebrate Christmas. While each person may spend the holidays in their own way, there are certain traditions that have become widespread and embraced by many. While these traditions may bring familiarity and comfort, some are looking for unique ways to bring more connection and community to the holidays ahead.
Consider What Matters Most
Many people dive straight into preparing for the holidays without taking a moment to pause and consider what matters most to them. The holidays can be joyful, but they can also be a busy time. It’s easy to get swept up in preparing, meal planning, shopping for gifts, and decorating without taking a moment to step back and consider what you truly hope to get from this festive season. Before you start your to-do list this year, take a few moments and jot down what truly matters most to you. Is it finding the perfect gift for someone? Or is it spending more quality time with loved ones?
Sometimes, it’s helpful to look back and consider prior holidays and what made them so memorable. Are your fondest memories spending time with family or finding quiet moments for yourself? Try to identify what you enjoyed most about past Christmas holidays. With this knowledge, you can decide how best to spend this coming Christmas.
Create New Traditions That Fit Your Values
While old traditions can bring us joy, don’t shy away from introducing new traditions that align with your values and how you want to spend the holidays. For example, if you’ve always thought that Christmas focuses too much on gift-giving and does not leave enough time for quality downtime with family, consider gifting experiences or planning a day excursion with your loved ones. Even doing something simple, like baking a holiday meal together, can be a fun and unique way to spend quality time together during the holidays.
Alternatively, if you’ve always had a huge to-do list each festive season, consider scheduling leisure time for yourself so that you can truly relax and enjoy the season. Set aside an hour or two during the day where you can unwind with a good book, a podcast, or a few online games. Casual games have grown popular in recent years, as gamers can pick them up and put them down at any time, and online casino games have similarly gained popularity, with titles like slots, blackjack, and poker now easily accessible online. Brits who wager from home often seek out international online casinos to take advantage of their lucrative special offers and flexible options. Cardplayer says some of these sites are licensed outside of the UK in places like Curacao, bypassing the UK’s tough rules and offering more options to players. Beyond online gaming, reading or listening to a podcast, personal downtime during the holidays is also ideal for home spa treatments. If you want to get out of the house, consider a scenic drive to spot holiday lights in the evening for a peaceful activity.
Regardless of what new traditions you choose, the important thing is that you first consider what you value most and then align your traditions to fit your values. You may choose to keep older traditions or get rid of some, fine-tuning your Christmas experience.
Let Go of What Doesn’t Spark Joy
Christmas should be a time of joy. If old traditions are causing stress or adding to your to-do list, think about getting rid of them or adapting them to fit your values. The holidays should not cause you stress, yet many report feeling overwhelmed by the need to find the perfect gift or decorate their home during the season.
Instead, consider embracing a minimalistic approach. If you enjoy decorating but feel overwhelmed by decorating your entire house, start by adding a simple wreath to your front door. You could even make wreaths with family or friends to sneak in some quality time, too. This way, you can decorate your house in a cheerful way while also spending time with loved ones.
Similarly, if preparing large meals for big groups causes you stress, consider downsizing. Prepare less, or bake with others so that everyone can pitch in. One family member can prepare a turkey or ham while another preps the mashed potatoes and side dishes. By spreading out the work, you can reduce your own stress while sharing time with others, making the entire process more joyful and fun.
Let Go of Perfection
The holidays should be a time of fun, joy, and time spent together. They do not need to be perfect, although many get caught up in the idea of the perfect menu, perfect gift, or perfect holiday decor. Instead of letting perfection cause anxiety and stress during the holidays, try to let it go and focus on what truly matters.
Spend more time with loved ones, reflect on the past year and all you’ve done, and look forward to what is coming next. This joyful approach will likely leave you feeling festive, fulfilled, and content.