The holidays are fast approaching us. Halloween hasn’t arrived yet, but Santa’s elves have already started decorating the department stores. While we are nearly two months from December 25th, it doesn’t hurt to form a game plan for the holiday season. This may be your first year in simplifying for the holidays or perhaps you are looking for some fresh ideas? Either way, I have some great tips here to streamline the holiday season while truly enjoying the season.

First, ask the question: What do you want for this holiday season? It may involve asking your children and family what their expectations are as well. You don’t want to do away with an activity your children adore! Do you want to get closer to nature? Do you want to revive those old traditions that have become forgotten? Do you want to get closer to spirit? Or do you simply want to get rid of the commercialization of it all?

Second, list all of your normal holiday activities. What could you not do without? What could you get rid of? What stresses you out? Can you get rid of those stressors or can you change them? What provides great meaning for you? Highlight all of those activities that do not create great stress and that provide meaning for you. Get rid of those activities that only create stress for you. Reinvent the stressful activities that provide some type of meaning.

Next ask, will you give gifts? If you decide to participate in gift giving, decide to whom you will give and how much. Make a budget today so you are not maxing out your credit cards on December 24th. Also, think about giving non-monetary gifts. Homemade gifts and the gift of time can be just as lovely. Babysitting, car washing, dog walking, and cleaning someone’s home can be just as meaningful.

Lastly, let everyone know what they can expect from you. If you are usually the ringleader for the family holiday meal and that completely stresses you out, let family members know and don’t leave them in the dark. Perhaps you enjoy decorating cookies with the kids at that function? Volunteer for a job that provides joy and not stress.

There is a special meaning to this season; it should be one of magic and reflection. If stress, overload, unmet expectations, and loathing are what you equate to the holiday season – you must reinvent what this time of year means to you.

Some great resources:
http://www.newdream.org/holiday/simplify.pdf
http://christmas.organizedhome.com/simplify-your-holidays
http://www.celebrategreen.net/