Did y’all have a nice Christmas? There’s always a bittersweet feeling for me after the holidays are over; a mixture of relief and disappointment. When I started with my Simplifying the Season series I was hoping to maybe help one of you out there who might be feeling overwhelmed or stressed out at this time of year. Ultimately though, I found that I probably helped myself the most. One of the things that I love about blogging is that it holds me accountable, and this was no different. I’d find myself wondering if I should do something and oftentimes I’d realize that it wasn’t something that would redirect my focus on my family, established traditions, or our Savior.
So I wouldn’t do it.
Instead, I simplified. I made sugar cookies and only used sprinkles to decorate instead of making frosting. I opted not to throw our annual Christmas playdate (and my kids didn’t miss it one bit). I bought gift cards for teacher gifts. I cut WAY back on Christmas baking and passed out homemade jam to friends and family that I’d made early at the beginning of Fall.
We focused on what really mattered to us at this time of year–family, traditions, and Christ. We participated in activities that would bring us joy and keep us thinking of those things. I said no to things and when I did something interesting happened; I started thinking about all things in term of simplifying. What would make our mornings run smoother? Was it really a big deal if that Instagram post didn’t go up right when I wanted it to? How could I avoid the laundry and cleaning piling up? Did we really need this stack of paper or those old toys?
I feel like my perspective on some things have really changed and I’m looking forward to keeping up with this in the New Year. But I also know that it will be a continual process and I’ll need y’all to keep me accountable with my quest for simplifying and refocusing.
Now I want to know all about your holiday season! How did you simplify? How did you focus on what really matters to you? Did you start a simple, new tradition? Do you have a favorite family recipe that you shared with others? Did your kids act out the Nativity story? Link up your holiday posts from the whole season below!
This link party will be open for a week and once it ends I’ll be picking a few of my favorite posts that I think best exemplify the series to send a small gift to!
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16 Responses to #SimplifyingTheSeason wrap up and linkup
I am all about simplifying. You are so right too about the kids not even noticing one bit. The Christmas season can get stressful if I let it.
I love that you simplified and found that your kids still loved it too! This was out first Christmas with our twins and what helped a lot wasn’t necessarily simplifying (they’re still too young to really take part in anything), but just having my husband help. He likes smoked turkey, so this year he smoked the turkey outside and believe it or not, that took a weight off of me as far as the logistics of getting everything else in the oven!
It’s so important to take the time to consider what is really important and what has to get done right away, and to also take time to relax over the holidays. This time of year can be so hectic, but it’s best to start the new year without stress.
Yes! I love this so much. My family and I did the same thing this year. Last year truly got out of hand in terms of the stress and spending and I really felt that the true meaning of Christmas had been sucked away from us. This year my husband and I kept it simple and intimate: just us three at home on Christmas Day and we gave meaningful gifts to our family rather than extravagant. There was no stress and the day was slow and magical, as it should be. So glad you got to slow down and relax this year too, mama! It truly makes a difference! Xo
We worked on simplifying this year at Christmas. I love idea of giving homemade gifts like jam. I need to do that more next year.
We do not have any family that lives near us, so it’s really hard for the 3 of us on Christmas.
But we simplified by focusing on the little family. We didn’t play with gadgets or our phones, we watched Christmas movies, cooked, and listened to carols. It was nice
I need to simplify my life. It is way too complicated and something needs to change.
I like that you are focusing on simplifying for the whole year- what a great way to get back to what matters most! Loved this series!
I love the simple holiday! We did the 4 gift challenge and it was wonderful! My kids are still so little and we’re so happy with what they received from Santa.
Good tips! I really feel like we need to do better at focusing on the reason for the season for our kids. We did a huge Christmas program that kind of consumed our lives.
Love this. This time of year can get so overwhelming if we let it. Even we want to simplify it can be hard! Thanks for the encouragement and reminders.
This holiday season has been a mess – we’ve been too busy, too stressed, and really not enjoying ourselves or the meaning of the season. Next year I plan to simplify our lives in a major way!
I love this! I’ve been working so hard to simplify our life and the holidays were no exception. I felt so much less stressed and able to enjoy the holiday.
Christmas day was great. Very low key, just my husband, my daughter and me. It was a nice break from our normal hectic pace. Now, I just have to figure out how to streamline my life and have more time for what is important for me and my family.
Beautifully written.. I think 2017 is going to be the year we all simplify because everyone feels the same!
xoxo
Tyler
http://www.feeltheesunlight.com/
I think the biggest thing is getting off of social media and focusing on what is in front of you. I want to do less of that this year.