Celebrating the holidays does not have to mean hectic schedules, extravagant decorations and hours spent preparing the holiday feast.
Jennifer Louden, author and personal coach, invites consumers to look within themselves to decide if releasing these obligations will lead to a happier season for you and your friends and family. Among her recommendations:
Know when to say no – Don’t feel obligated to do something just because your grandmother did. It’s nonsense to think you have to bake four pies from scratch just because that’s how your family has “always done it,” she says. Make your own traditions this year by mixing it up and trying new things.
Make the extra time your own – Research shows it takes at least 24 hours to prepare Thanksgiving dinner from start to finish. Ask yourself if you had 24 hours to do whatever you wanted, what would you do? Then do what is feasible.
Supplement your meal with shortcuts – Make a list of all the things you enjoy about the holidays. If spending hours and hours planning, shopping for and preparing a big meal doesn’t make the list, don’t sweat it. Invite your guests to help with the preparations or buy a pre-cooked bird (or side dishes, or desserts … or the entire meal).
Reconnect with loved ones – Get out that box of old photos and tell your children stories about their great-grandparents. Watch old home videos. Call your college roommate and exchange funny memories.
Move your body – Exercise releases positive-feeling endorphins, and it’s a great way to spend time with family and friends. Put off washing the dishes and go for a walk. Breathe in the fresh fall air. For many, this is often the last chance before winter’s weather hits to really get out and enjoy the outdoors.
Get creative – Start (or finish) a creative project – a photo scrapbook or table centerpiece – or consider starting a journal, painting or knitting. Create holiday table decorations or homemade holiday gifts.
Ask your family what they treasure most about the holidays – you might learn that they would rather spend time with you than eat a made-from-scratch meal. If that’s the case, search out the best- prepared Thanksgiving meal, buy it and enjoy it or go ahead and eat out, guilt-free. You’ll get the smells and great tastes of Thanksgiving dinner without the hassle.
