Simplifying and Slowing Down the Holidays

Is it me or do the days between November 1st and January 1st of the new year speed by at fifty times the speed of “normal” time?  After Thanksgiving it seems like things ramped up rather quickly.  I enjoy the holiday season and taking part of my family and friends’ beautiful Chanukah and Christmas celebrations.  However, as much as I enjoy parties, the bustle of crowds shopping in Quincy Market, and yes, Christmas music blaring out of store speakers, I find I can always use some down time and simplifying.  I don’t use “simplify” as a trendy, throw away term.  By simplify, I mean finding the activities and people that matter to you during the holidays. I thought of a few simple ways to celebrate that you might enjoy.

1. Create traditions that are meaningful for you and your family.  You can celebrate Winter Solstice by having a backyard bonfire with marshmallows and cocoa, or by making special treats for the hungry birds.  A day dedicated to baking or cooking by yourself, with family, or making usable crafts with the kids (here’s a fun one) often create interesting, if not fun memories.  Don’t like stringing up all kinds of lights, consider skipping it this year or hanging less.  Other folks have beautiful displays, you can take that time you have gained and go on a neighborhood tour.

2.  Give less or differently.   Not in the mood to battle crowds at the stores?  You can try smaller, local shops that have unique inventory.  Of course, there is always the web.  Etsy has wonderful, unique gifts made by artists and crafters.  If friends and family are willing to try, you can give experiences.  Concerts, trips, whale watches and museum memberships, or a photography class top the list of fun gifts to give and receive without the hassle of battling for parking spaces.  If you would like to simplify even more, you can give promise certificates.  These are simply promises made by you to the recipient.  Promises can be anything you like.  For instance, you can promise to go on a date with your significant other to their favorite restaurant or bakery, have a evening picnic, making a favorite meal, or help weed the garden.  You are only limited by your imagination.

3. Volunteer.  If you are feeling like the holidays focus too much on material items, volunteering at a favorite charity may be something that gets rid of the ‘holiday letdown’ feeling .  It can be anything or anywhere.  The point is to find something that lines up with your values and how you want to spend the holidays.  Several friends I know enjoy volunteering at animal shelters, or their child’s school.

4. Step Outside.  The best cure all for my holiday overload has always been to simply step outside.  An ‘aimless’ walk around the block catching all the sights and sounds can be restorative.  Walks on frozen beaches can be fun too.  Watching birds take snowbaths or dogs play in the snow slows time down and helps us reconnect with ourselves.  Choose carefully how you want to spend your holidays and make changes where you can.  You may enjoy lots of parties and raucous celebrations, you may want to celebrate more quietly, or you may like your celebrations to fall somewhere in between.  Whatever way you choose to celebrate, try to stay close to what is meaningful to you.

be well,

Bill