The last two months of the year have a way of filling up fast, and somewhere between the baking, the gifts, the parties, and the decorating, the season we loved as kids can turn into one giant to-do list. A few years ago, I sat on the couch on December 26th with a cup of coffee and wrapping paper still on the floor, and the only thing I felt was relief that it was over. That was the year I decided the holidays were going to feel different for me too, and here’s the process that got me there.
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Write down everything that lands on you. Grab a piece of paper and list every single thing that ends up on your shoulders this time of year. The baking, the shopping, the wrapping, the decorating, the meals, the guests, the events you host. If decorating is a big one, break it into its separate pieces so you can see which parts are the heavy ones. The goal is an honest look at everything you typically juggle, all in one place. |
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Circle what you genuinely love. Step away for a few minutes, then come back with fresh eyes and circle only the things you personally enjoy. A lot of what’s on that list got there because it’s what your mom did, or someone said you should, or it’s just what you’ve always done. For years I baked tins of homemade treats for our neighbors, with eight different goodies in every tin. I loved it once, but when I looked at it honestly, it had become a burden, and I realized I didn’t have to keep doing it. |
| 3 |
Put your circled things on the calendar. Once you know what you love, protect the time for it. Our family decorates gingerbread houses every year, and I put that afternoon on the calendar before the invitations and errands start rolling in. If I don’t, we end up cramming it in at the last minute, and then it stops being fun. The date can move if something better comes up, but having it there keeps the space protected. |
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Hand off the rest. Sit down with your family and walk them through the list, including the things you didn’t circle. Some of those might be someone else’s favorite, and that’s their chance to take ownership. A couple of years ago I told my husband and daughter I wasn’t setting up our ceramic holiday village, and they were devastated, so I handed it to them. Their only condition was that I couldn’t critique how they did it. That year, the village got an abominable snowman scene I never would have created; they had the best time together, and now it’s their tradition. |
Before December gets here
Make your list this week, circle what you love, and get those things on the calendar before the season fills it for you. Anything left over gets handed off or let go.
You deserve to enjoy the holidays as much as everyone you’re making them for.
This Week at The Pink Bee
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Friend, don’t forget, just 15 minutes of planning today can set the tone for your entire week. You’ve got the tools, you’ve got the tips, and now it’s time to take action. Let’s crush this week together!
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