How to Simplify the Holidays

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Imagination
Internet access
Budget
Desire to change

Step 1

What Kind of Holiday?

Take time to think about the kind of holiday you want. == Do you want more time immersed in natural surroundings? What about more play time with the kids? Or perhaps this year you’d like to devote your time to charitable endeavors and/or clarifying your spiritual beliefs. Think about the memories you’ll be creating – what will they be? How will your children remember these moments?
Step 2

Make a holiday list

Make a list of your past Holiday tasks and responsibilities – This would include the open house parties and all the work they entail; cards; shopping; decorating etc.
Step 3

Involve the kids in your holiday tasks

Mark those activities that you truly enjoy. – Ask yourself: Which of these tasks could be scaled back, delegated to another family or family member, or that could be eliminated altogether? Who can help make these jobs more fun? Which activities do you find the most uplifting? For instance, you really enjoy sending out holiday cards with mini-newsletters, enlist the help of your little ones to apply the address and return address labels. Show them where they need to go on the envelope and let them take over. It matters not that the labels are not perfectly placed; you’re creating a bonding moment and a lovely memory.
Step 4

Calculate holiday spending

Calculate what percentage of your yearly income was spent the previous holiday season. – Include everything from cost of food, wrapping paper, beverages, last minute gifts, stocking stuffers…everything. Pull out old credit card receipts if you have to so that you get the most accurate picture you can. Does the amount shock and dismay you? Put that amount into perspective…did you spend more than what you normally pay for a utility? Did you carry, or are you still carrying a balance on your credit card from those expenditures?
Step 5

Create a budget – Cut the amount spent last year in half (or whatever percentage you choose,) and stick to it. Keep a running tally of expenditures. If you are not the only shopper in the house, divide your buy list in half as well as the budget amount and make a game of who can cover all the bases and end up with the largest surplus of cash at the end.
Step 6

Homemade holiday gift basket

Consider gifts of time – This is probably the most valuable gift to just about everyone that doesn’t cost you anything. Make home certificates on your computer for special activity with your loved one such as a massage, or picnic, or that you’ll make a candlelit dinner. How about a month of taking over a chore that you don’t normally do? That could be a great gift for an elderly family member as well.
Step 7

Handcrafted gift soap

Handcrafted gifts are another well received and usually inexpensive way of gifting. – There is something more endearing and special about a gift that someone took the time and effort to make for you. Check out craft and hobby websites for ideas for all ages.
Step 8

Springboard off of these ideas – In someone’s name: Plant a tree; Donate to a cause; volunteer in their community; Buy carbon offsets. Or plan a simple sing-a-long night with relatives, hot chocolate and some cookies. The key here is to simplify, simplify, simplify. Shed the idea that more is better and think more about creating lasting memories full of warmth, love and happiness. How that looks is up to you.