{"id":125187,"date":"2023-10-25T18:15:54","date_gmt":"2023-10-26T00:15:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/?p=125187"},"modified":"2023-10-25T18:17:11","modified_gmt":"2023-10-26T00:17:11","slug":"simple-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/simple-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"Simple Holidays: 10 Ways To Reduce Overwhelm And Increase Joy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Note: This article on simple holidays is by contributing writer, Tammy Strobel.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I was in my twenties, my holidays weren\u2019t simple. Instead, they were filled with lots of \u201cshoulds\u201d and too much stress. For example, my husband and I overspent on holiday gifts because we felt like we \u201cshould\u201d buy presents for everyone in our family. As a result, we mismanaged our budget and felt overwhelmed during and after the holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simplifying our lives<\/a> and setting boundaries<\/a> helped us simplify this special time of year. I don\u2019t overspend on gifts at the mall anymore, and that feels good. Instead, we focus on savoring experiences like good meals, nature walks, and conversations with loved ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I still struggle with \u201cshoulds,\u201d feelings of overwhelm, and sadness during the holidays. For instance, I wish my step-dad<\/a> was still here to celebrate the holidays with us. He created holiday traditions that brought loved ones together and we strive to do the same. As the holidays approach, I will use the following tips to reduce feelings of overwhelm and infuse more joy into our celebrations. I hope the suggestions below benefit you, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Art of Simple Holidays: Reducing Overwhelm, Increasing Joy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1.) Prioritize and plan <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Prioritizing and planning helps me feel grounded during the holiday season. For example, my mom recently suggested that we take a trip during the holidays. Planning a trip is a great way to change up holiday routines that feel stagnant. We also talked about staying home and trying something new, like going on a long bike ride on Christmas Day. Engaging in new experiences can make the holidays feel more fun, playful, and joyful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.) Rethink gift giving <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve tried to adopt a mindful and creative approach to gift giving<\/a>. For example, over ten years ago, we talked to loved ones about limiting or not exchanging holiday gifts. Some loved ones liked the idea of not<\/em> exchanging gifts, and we were excited about that! Other loved ones wanted to continue exchanging presents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since none of us need more stuff, we give loved ones gift cards to coffee shops, local restaurants, or donate money to charities or foundations. We\u2019ve also gotten creative over the years. We\u2019ve made gift baskets that were packed with homemade treats, teas, cider, and other consumable goodies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.) Respect your budget <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We try to eliminate financial stress during the holidays, and our loved ones share the same sentiment. Engaging in candid conversations about finances and budgeting<\/a> isn’t easy, yet it\u2019s a crucial aspect of keeping our holiday experience simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.) Go Internet-lite <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The holiday season is a good opportunity to try a digital detox<\/a>. When I spend time with loved ones, I try to avoid looking at my phone. It\u2019s distracting and doesn\u2019t give me the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations. Storing my phone in my bag or in another room deters me from picking it up. This practice allows me to fully engage in conversations. And, I spend less time online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.) Learn to say no <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author Anne Lamott says, \u201cNo is a complete sentence.\u201d As a recovering people pleaser, this is a mantra I refer to frequently. It\u2019s essential for me to remember that it\u2019s okay to say \u201cno<\/a>;\u201d especially during the holiday season. For example, I\u2019m allowed to say \u201cno\u201d to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n