So…what do you really want for Christmas?
Perhaps, like me, you struggle to get everything done by December 25 and you long for a simpler, more meaningful celebration of Christmas.
Or maybe you’re looking for some ideas to get organized, save money and have fun. Perhaps you’d like more energy and relaxation preparing for what should be a season of joy and peace.
No matter what your motivation is, I bet you put a lot of thought and energy into trying to give your loved ones and friends a special holiday. But what would you really like for Christmas this year?
Plan Your Best Holiday Season
Find a quiet place to curl up with a journal or a pad of paper. Close your eyes for a few minutes, and think about the holidays. If you like to pray, you can ask for divine guidance. What thoughts come to mind?
Start making a list, and write down any crazy thing that pops into your mind. Maybe you’ll do these things and maybe you won’t, but the important thing is to capture all of those thoughts and ideas so you can begin to shape your celebrations.
Write down the big things and the small things. Maybe you long for more family time together.
Perhaps you want to simplify, and reduce spending and over-consuming. Or maybe you want to think of some creative ways to bring more spirituality into your celebrations.
Perhaps you want to try some new activities. Maybe this year you want to make a gingerbread house. Or perhaps you want to go snow-shoeing. Or cut down your own Christmas tree.
Maybe you want to sing the Hallelujah Chorus. Or snuggle on the couch with your kids and watch Christmas movies. Or read the Christmas story from the Bible as a family.
Or make homemade peanut brittle. Or crochet an afghan for your grandma. Or meet your girlfriends for shopping and martinis. Whatever it is, write it down!
Maybe what your heart is telling you is that you need to do less this year. Perhaps you wish you could eliminate some exhausting traditions or create more time for quiet and reflection. Write that down, too.
This may seem counter-intuitive, but think of at least one special thing that you want for Christmas this year on your list. It could be a box of luscious chocolate truffles, piano lessons, a soft scarf, a new pair of boots, a special book – whatever is calling to you.
By mindfully considering your Christmas celebration, you’re taking an important first step toward shaping this special season of joy.
To put some of your ideas into action, you might enjoy exploring these old fashioned Christmas ideas and gift giving myths to let go.
Here’s to your best, happiest holiday season ever.
About Eliza Cross
Eliza Cross is the author of 16 books, including Small Bites, 101 Things To Do With Bacon, and BERRIES. She enjoys sharing ideas to simplify cooking, gardening, and home projects. She is also the owner of Cross Media, Inc. and founder of the BENSA Bacon Lovers Society.
I’ve started by making a list of our current traditions that I will discuss with my family to see what we think works and what we might want to drop or change.
I’ve also made a list of what hasn’t worked in the past (and why) and new things we might like to try. Among these are volunteering in some capacity, buying $100 worth of $10 gasoline cards and handing them out randomly, paying all or part of someone’s December heating bill, going ice skating, taking a carriage ride in our city, or doing something else we’d like to do but generally avoid because of the Christmas crowds.
Finally, I made the list of a few things I’d like to receive as gifts. They are a grain mill for baking, a dress form for sewing, and/or a modest amount of money or gift cards to spend just on myself however I like.
Thanks for sharing your list, Annie. The $10 gift cards are so creative! I love your other ideas, too. xo
P.S. I just posted my list here:
https://www.happysimpleliving.com/my-christmas-wish-list/
My list so far:
Everything done by 1st of December
Have plenty of time to enjoy time with kids/family in December
Bake plenty of cookies
Send Christmas cards
Have a family photo taken
Make Christmas decorations with my kids
Listen to Christmas songs
Drink hot chocolate
Watch Christmas movies
Tell my kids about what Christmas is about
Keep spending under control
Perhaps give some homemade Christmas gifts
And for my Christmas gift: LP record player
/di
I have thought about the question of what I want for a couple of days. Isn’t it strange to think I had trouble coming up with something? I feel so lucky to have so much already, but finally I realized there is something I do need and want… a rain poncho. Now that I have given away my car it would make these rainy days much better when I have to go out.
I’ve just posted my own list on my blog.
Thank you for this challenge, it gets me thinking about what I really want instead of waiting for the last minute to think “I wish I had…”.
This year is the first year we will be having Christmas at our house with my partner and I have a feeling your challenge is going to be a valuable help!
Marie,
I’m so glad you posted your list in English so we can all read it. I hope you get every wish. 🙂
xo
Thanks Eliza! I have friends who only read one of the two languages so I do many articles in both languages… it’s good practice!