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This year I am determined to make this Christmas a happy one. Life isn’t perfect all of the time (nor do I expect it to be, even during the holidays) and my wish list isn’t one big to-do list either, but I do have a lot of positive and simple ideas in mind. I believe that it is important to manage expectations and to accept only the events that we truly want to attend this time of year. My “Very Merry Christmas Celebration” this year is all about the simple things; home, community, friendship, and love.
If you read my last post, Life Isn’t A Hallmark Movie, But A Girl Can Try, then you might understand why I need more holiday joy this year in particular. I believe that many of us put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make others happy over the holidays and to perform every Christmas tradition to perfection, leaving us exhausted, burnt out, and stressed. That isn’t my goal with this list, but rather, to encourage myself to slow down and take in the season with a trip to a local theater to see The Nutcracker, baking cookies, getting a Christmas tree, and focusing on the joy of the holidays. I want to simplify the season, take in every moment, and rejoice in the holidays and the meaning of the season.
My first order of business is to decorate my home for the holidays. Simple white lights, garlands, and a Christmas tree in the corner of my little apartment living room. I want to celebrate the holidays by supporting our local theater and immersing ourselves into community events like local tree lightings and holiday shopping to support local businesses. My ultimate goal is to make gingerbread men that don’t melt into blobs in the oven (I haven’t mastered that skill just yet, but this might be the year) and decorate them with my husband. Christmas movies and music will play nearly every day. And for the first time ever I’m even going to be hosting Christmas Eve at home.
I don’t recommend that everyone makes themselves a holiday calendar because it could become too much of a to-do list. But if you’re someone who enjoys planning and making lists (with room for flexibility and spontaneity), then a Christmas Calendar might be fun for you too. You don’t have to stick to it. Treat it more like an inspirational guideline and a way too keep you from overbooking yourself.
I found this December printable calendar online using Google and redecorated and filled it in with “Very Merry Christmas” activities. What is on your Christmas wish list item on your calendar this year?
