This time of year, there are all kinds of articles with tips on how to make Christmas decorating more beautiful than last year, the recipes, more flavorful.
My idea is different. Today I am writing to encourage you to have a truly happy holiday – and for me, that took some soul-searching. It took an act of braveness.
The revelation came after I wrote my Christmas to-do list – a lengthy letter against sanity. I started to feel panicky to get going on things – get the tree up, turn on the lights, spread some holiday cheer.
It was fate to read Gretchen Rubin’s post that dares: make sure the “fun” is fun for YOU. Realizing it was ok to find “fun” things tiresome was like hearing jingle bells for the first time.
Which brings me to this official announcement: I love you, but I am not sending out Christmas cards this year. I’d rather find time to see you in person.
For all you merry little elves getting your bells in a bundle, let me explain. I don’t enjoy the process of Christmas cards. Which got me thinking: why do I do it?
A few obvious reasons came to mind:
- Everyone expects it.
- It’s a requirement over Christmas. It shows people you love them and remember them. By sending them a canned greeting card. Right.
Call me crazy, but these are pretty shady reasons to do something I don’t enjoy.
If you want to call me a Grinch, go ahead. I’ll admit my decision carries a slightly Grinchy undertone. But on the other hand:
- I’ll use that time for something I actually find fun.
- I’ll save the planet, just a little. A stretch? Come on, work with me.
- I’ll save money and put it toward our debt snowball.
What about you? Is there something you want to stop doing for Christmas?
Even better: Will you?
In case you missed it – Amazing Work: The Truth About It
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A few years ago I was shopping for christmas cookie ingredients to make sure I would cover everyone’s favorites. The cart was filling, the tab was rising and since I was trying to eeek out time in my pre-holiday schedule to bake in the first place, I was becoming more tense by the aisle.
I stopped mid store and made a decision. The specialty items went back to the shelves and coolers and I only kept the staples I needed from the list. I didn’t bake cookies at all that year — not even my favorites. Christmas still came and was full of delightful surprises and seasonal treats — just not plates of mine.
This year might be different. I’m starting to feel like baking again. Maybe two kinds but not five. Maybe a double batch of something while I have everything out. Because I want to and it sounds like fun again.
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful story. Maybe a year off cards will get me in the mood again.
I’m totally with you on this, Melissa. I’ve never understood why we put ourselves through all this misery in the name of the holidays. Shouldn’t we be trying to enjoy the end of the year rather than killing ourselves with Christmas traditions (read: obligations).
Besides, how much value does a gift really convey if we’re giving it only out of a sense of duty, rather than a genuine desire to make someone else happy?
Exactly. I like the truth here: traditions or obligations?
Thanks Jeffrey!
Hmmm…well, Melissa, for you it is Christmas cards….for us, we decided not to put up outside lights…hate putting them up and taking them down…DO LIKE how pretty they look, but this year we’ll look at everyone else’s lights in the neighborhood…spend time walking around the neighborhood enjoying the atmosphere
I am one who LOVES to send and receive photo cards~ I truly LOVED your card last year….puts a smile on my face:)
However sweetie, I will miss the card from you
Thanks Kim! I agree about the lights – we decided to put up fewer lights this year and I don’t miss the extra hassle or brightness.
Melissa – was last year the Rock n Roll pic? That was cute.
We didn’t do cards last year because I was 9 months pregnant for the whole month of December, and I was too tired with too many other things going on. This year we are going to do photo cards for the first time, with our daughter. Now if my husband’s cold sore would just go away, we could take the picture….
Husband! Come on now, lose the cold sore act.