For years, I’ve kept a well-worn issue of a popular lifestyle magazine in my collection, filled with dazzling holiday crafts and recipes that I promise myself I’ll tackle. With a glass of wine in hand, I flip through the glossy pages, filled with envy over those perfectly curated projects while I scribble my holiday to-do lists.
This yearly ritual often spirals into a guilt trip, as those fancy ideas highlight my own culinary mishaps and last-minute shopping sprees. But this year, I’m putting a stop to the guilt before it begins by committing to these five promises:
- I won’t fall for those door-buster deals. This means steering clear of early morning Black Friday sales, frigid mall parking lot lines, and frantic coupon clipping. I want to focus on finding the perfect gifts, not turning into a bargain-hunting economist trying to save a few bucks.
- I’ll let my kids get involved. No matter how chaotic or messy their attempts at holiday crafts may be, I vow to embrace their creativity. Whether the wreath ends up crooked or the tree is only adorned at the bottom, I’ll resist the urge to fix everything. A pile of overly frosted cookies for Santa? So be it.
- I promise to savor the season. When “It’s A Wonderful Life” plays, I won’t be distracted by chores. Instead, I’ll join my kids for snow angels in the yard and indulge in some spiked eggnog, putting my feet up and sharing stories with them late into the night.
- I won’t drown in DIY projects. While sewing new pajamas or crafting decorations can be enjoyable, I refuse to let my list of projects become a source of stress. If it starts to feel like a chore, I’ll step back and prioritize my peace of mind over Pinterest-perfect decorations.
- I won’t stress about post-holiday diets. I dread those moments at parties when I obsess over what I’m eating. This year, I’ll allow myself to enjoy every bite without guilt—bacon-wrapped scallops, anyone?
Last year, I tried too hard to mimic what I thought the holidays should look like, and it left me feeling exhausted. This time around, I’m determined to make the holidays fun and magical for me and my family. Cheers to a season filled with joy—now, who’s got the eggnog?
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Summary: This holiday season, I’m making five promises to myself to avoid stress and enjoy the festivities with my family. From letting my kids participate in crafts to savoring every moment without guilt, I’m focused on creating a joyful atmosphere.