enjoy the holiday season without stressing out or spending too much money

Last night at the mall, I was overwhelmed with the amount of stuff available for holiday purchasing. I enjoyed seeing the decorations (up already!!) and the gaggle of prospective Santa’s trying out to be the main man in the courtyard, but it all seemed a bit hollow.

This week I’ve bought a beautiful silver garland for the tree and last weekend I took my grandma a little bell ornament that read, ‘I heart my grandma’. No christmas presents have been purchased, and no cookies have been baked. But, as soon as the Thanksgiving holiday passes, I plan to dive into the season headfirst!

This year I want to enjoy the holidays without worrying that my gifts aren’t good enough, that my cookies aren’t chewy enough, that I’m not embracing the season, etc… I just want to take it all in peacefully and not let this time of year rush by in a stressful blur.

Saving money is always a good thing, and I firmly believe that I can purchase/make creative gifts for my friends and family without spending the usual outrageous amounts. I love to give and receive, but there is more to this time of year than gifts.

I suppose I’m looking to truly embrace this time of year without going ‘hog wild’ like my family does. I will decorate my home and make Christmas cookies and hang lights, but I will not worry and stress and overspend!

I bought a glittery garland at Target this week that boldly spells out ‘JOY JOY JOY’; this is my reminder of what the holidays really represent.