We are using less Christmas decor. Our children are adults now. They handmade alot of adorable Christmas ornaments that we decorate our tree with each year. We've decided to ask our adult children to choose thier ornaments to take home for thier tree at thier home. We will keep a few. We think it's time to downsize our decor & let our adult children enjoy thiers. We were going to do this last year but forgot. This year, it's a must. Thanks for your informative & humorous videos.
I went to a 2 ft tree in a decorative bucket about 10 yrs ago. What a game changer. Limited outings to 1 gathering with friends and 1 with family. And have explored putting out just enough decorations to feel like the holidays and take 30 minutes to put away. No muss no fuss.
This minimal decorating thing must be a trend this year. I used to go all out with the decorations, but this year like yourself, I’m doing just enough to say it’s decorated, but not knocking myself out in order to put everything out only to spend an entire day or two putting it all away again in three weeks. I’m not even putting up the tree this year because my cat always chews on it and makes himself sick, so yeah, that’s not fun. Plus lugging the thing up two flights of stairs from the basement gets harder every year. 🙂
I like having my nativity out till the 2nd of February. This year we just took the lights off and left it there. We just need to put them around. I had plans but this whole week, I have been down bedridden, just as I think I can, I get knocked down again. 😅 😩
It's what my husband and I do for years now: We just stay at home and enjoy our peaceful quiet home. I stressed us out to visit my parents, his parents and never had time for ourselfs.
Hey, I am ruining Christmas too! Leaving my brother to make Christmas festive for our elderly parents (whom I care for daily), so that I can be with my newly-married son and daughter-in-law out of state. It was a sudden decision. Thankfully, everybody is supportive and my son is thrilled that I'm coming.
Because of covid for the past couple of years I have had better Christmases since we were able to cut out a lot of social gatherings/ family obligations. For my household to be able to enjoy Christmas we stay home that day, just us. We then spend the 26 driving to all the family/friends houses. We bring lawn chairs and visit outside. This usually makes for shorter visits, which is needed with some of the more difficult family. I would love to "ruin Christmas" by forgoing all gifts for the most part.
this struck me to the depths of my soul. I feel like I did that. I tried so hard to make magical Christmases for my now 35 yr old son when he was little. But my parents were divorced and I had to go to two different sets of parents plus my husband's parents and none of them would give an inch as to when they celebrated. I was ran ragged and I resented it back then. I thought I hid it well. Apparently not, because my son HATES Christmas. And it breaks my heart. I feel like I did something terrible that I was unaware of that contributed to this. He says not. But I don't know. God Bless Robyn for getting this message out. Love this channel. It has been a life changer. I am the most extroverted introvert you will ever meet. And I am finally realizing at the ripe old age of 56, it's ok for me to be that way. Again, God Bless you Robyn and Melissa as well. Merry CHRISTmas to all.
This is our 2nd year of being empty-nesters and we decided that for the most part nobody really comes over except on the actual holiday so we’re not going to feel one bit bad about not putting up much. It’s a tough tradition to break but it’ll be good.
I had plans for this month. Good plans. They did not include all 8 of us having covid Thanksgiving weekend. We are mostly recovered, just really, really tired. Interestingly, not a single person who lives in my house has asked about putting up a tree and expressed disappointment that we haven't decorated yet. Ironically, this seems to bother people who do NOT live in my house. I don't know if we'll decorate this year, but we'll still enjoy being together, and that's all that matters!
Do what you love this year. However if they are horribly bothered, invite them to come one evening to put up a tree and decorate it while all of your family goes out in the car looking at lights. 😁
Lol we did not have a television in our home for like 5 years to improve famipy time and correct ingrained habits and weirdly the only people it bothered were thowe who did not live with us 😂😂 Glad you are all recovered!!
Every year for the last 22 years, we’ve put up the tree and decorated the day after Thanksgiving. This year, the tree isn’t even up yet and none of us care. 😂 I put up some lights on a fence, set out a Christmas table runner, and set the battery operated candles in windows. This year’s decor can fit in one bin. Stress-free shopping was done in October. I even used leftover wrapping paper from the last two years - something I never would have done. It’s just like you said: It’s the being together that matters. What’s the point of running ragged? It will still be Christmas.🎄
Excellent, excellent video. You are absolutely right that you need to make a Christmas that you will enjoy yourself rather than stressing out fitting into someone else’s plans for you. Loved your choice of photo for the line “I was honestly so devastated... I was cranky “ 🤣 Perfect 😂
As I became a Grandma I couldn’t wait to have all of the kids and grandkids over Christmas Day like we did at my grandparents and like our kids did at their grandparents. 4 of our 5 kids have declared they are staying home on Christmas Day and have for many years leaving their parents/grandparents alone for the best day of the year! It is very lonely and sad for us. We get together other days in December but it is not the same. We feel robbed of Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. ( all live in the same town) Can’t wait for Christmas to be over now.
Don’t want to do Christmas at all this year so I’m not decorating the house, no turkey dinner, no family bothering me. I might go out for a walk and watch a movie 🍿 with my partner. I really don’t see the point in Christmas, it’s just an excuse for mass consumerism.
The point of Christmas is that Jesus Christ was born. I agree that the consumer frenzy obscures the point, but it's still there if you look a little deeper. Try the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 1.
The beauty of Christmas is in simplicity, warmth, coziness and love. It is not and should not be a commercial, flashy materialistic superproduction! In France we love our traditions but usually in the "less is more" philosophy. A few beautiful, meaningful ornaments, lovely music, a delicious but not necessarily complicated meal, with close family or close friends, or even alone according to the situation. Christmas at my grandparents or at my parents has always been wonderful, never overwhelming, and now as a grandmother I continue the same traditions with my children and grand-children. I still have a few ornaments from my childhood and my children's childhoods, and to us they are more precious and beautiful than anything I see in the stores.
I do not think you are ruining Christmas. You are celebrating it in a way that makes you feel good, which is the way it is meant to be. Just be kind to yourselves and others (which you should ideally be all year round! ). Christmas is not about overconsumption, frenzy, competing for the most "successful" celebration, overwhelming and draining ourselves. It is a good time (if one wishes to) to slow down, think, appreciate life, our loved ones and what we have, share, and maybe also re-evaluate our needs.
When my children were little, my husband was a Fireman. He worked Christmas Day often. Back then my children didn't understand the calendar and we could celebrate the 24th or 26th. Several times "Mrs Claus".( HA). had to put toys together ( because Santa's gifts were unwrapped and under tree ) My husband would fix or tighten those toys after he got home in the morning and kids opened their gifts. Good times that I miss so much now that they are grown with their own families.
Oh my goodness, this video hit home. I host a large Christmas party for friends and family every year, and the vast majority of the work is all on my shoulders. Normally, I am fine with that. I do work full time, and we are officially empty nesters, But.... My husband has been having major health issues the doctors have been unable to diagnose for almost two years, our house is under construction, (both bathrooms are currently ripped apart, we own are own business, and are crazy busy, and to top it off, my Dad died, shortly before Christmas. (I have been helping to care for him for many years, due to Parkinson's) I also grew up with those amazing Christmas'. My husband did not get to experience this, and I always strive to make everything perfect for him, the children, my parents, friends, everyone..... Because our house is torn apart, I rented a building for this year's party, lugged everything there, decorated not only our house, but the venue, cooked, cleaned, and it was beautiful, and delicious, but I was exhausted, and my heart was just not in it. I literally just wanted to stop everything, grab a can of popcorn, put my pj's on, climb in bed and watch Christmas movies, but did not want to disappoint anyone. Maybe I will feel differently next year, and it is just heartbreak, and exhaustion clouding my current judgment, but I am seriously considering a change next year.
I am joining you on this plan of doing less this holiday season, for my own sanity. Most of the responsibilities fall on my shoulders, but this year I'm paring down!!
As soon as my kids were out on their own, I declared Christmas dinner would be potluck. Ditto Thanksgiving. It makes the holidays so much ,ore relaxed for everyone.
Hi. The first Christmas after my divorce I asked my daughters (ages 8 and 3) what they would like for Christmas dinner and they said spaghetti. So that’s what we did.
Xmas least fav holiday. Too much everything. Gift to self: Every yr I give up a Xmas Expectation; cards, baking, tree, most decorations, hosting the masses, too much spending...Sounds Grinchy & I am, & when kids were growing up, this would have not worked, but in this season of life it's refreshing. I feel less overwhelmed. Is worth it. Bah humbug. :)
A few years ago, I decreed that xmas day we stayed home all day. We do an xmas eve day potluck brunch for family instead. All the family fun, less of the stress. The change I made this year was no scheduled advent activities ... sure we'll still bake cookies and go on a walk to look at xmas lights and make paper snowflakes, but we'll be spontaneous and do these things when we feel like it.
It is such a GREAT idea to spread out Christmas and celebrate on several days instead of trying to churn everything and everyone in on one day and get exausted We do a version on that with my family, my partners parents, his siblings, my siblings, friends who count as family, divorces, half siblings and their parents aso... Tho one thing that is soooo important for me NO ONE is left alone on the 24:th (The main Christmas celebration day here in Sweden).
Thank you for your commitment to be a nurse and serve others! My daughter is currently looking at nursing schools. Your videos are always so insightful! I am not going to be worried about making things to make the house smell good or baking loaves of bread or muffins. Instead I’m going to make our environment simple and enjoy those around me. 🌸
When I was a young (single) mother living hours away from my parents and the traditional Christmas dinner, I eventually decided it was not fair to the kids. They waited all year for Christmas, they helped decorate, we had the tree, Santa came, they opened their presents, then we got into the car and drove 3 hours to grandma’s house. The presents they wished for and waited for were left home not played with yet. After a few years, I decided, we would go on the weekend between Christmas and New Years. The kids were happier, I was less stressed, we still visited all the relatives, it was so much more relaxed. Dinner was not the high point for me, visiting and enjoying being with everyone was the best part. My kids are grown now, for a long time I hosted, but now we have a Christmas Eve party, to which I am a guest, it is the big food event. Christmas Day is more low key. I’m the Grandma now, they come to visit me, we might have a light lunch or just desert and cookies. It’s almost like full circle. What used to be stressful, is now metered out in the months and weeks before. Christmas has become a day to relax, reflect and enjoy.
Yes! Adjusting expectations of yourself (and others!) is a key to reducing stress and increasing happiness. It's so amazing and wonderful you still have your grandparents!! Treasure them ❤️ I lost my last and closest grandparent, my Nan, in 1989 and I miss her sooo much, especially at Christmas time.
Yes, I opened my bins this year and let out a big sigh. I felt I wasn’t cheery enough. I set out a few of my favorites and bought a fresh tree, I think I just want lights and ribbon on it, basking in the beauty of green. I enjoyed hearing about your family christmases, we never had those and I always wanted to start those traditions but now I feel burn out. I want the simple things it turns out. So, I cleared out my Christmas bins and have some extra wrapping for the donation center. Feels good to feel light and celebrate the season happy 😃
One tradition we try keeping is no opening presents till after 12 because they can become coal. Knowing that, you probably got what you wanted, you definitely don't want anything turning into coal. I have carpal tunne so I have been posting wrapping years pasted, maybe 😅 this year I get to it.
I really resonated with this video. Thank you. I am also doing some food gift basket type things for family and the kids teachers, such a stress free gift idea
I am really glad I watched this. I feel over 100% the same way. I want MY Christmas to be peaceful and serene. And so I'm right there with you...this year 2021 is the year. Thanks.🎄
I was prepared to host the family Christmas dinner at our house this year, since I did it the last time and my mother seemed so happy to have it off her shoulders. But it turns out: Not everybody liked celebrating at my house because ... well ... it wasn't my mom's house, it wasn't her cooking, it wasn't her decor and all her rituals and traditions. So now, it's back in mom's hands. At first, I felt really sad and also quite offended. I truly love Christmas and I did my best as a host. But now I'm cool with it. I'll be a helpful guest to my mother and other than that I'll just enjoy having less stress during the holidays.
Don't know about your grandparents residence, but most care facilities offer a wonderful holiday dinner for residence and their families. Need to schedule ahead, but we did it for years.
This was the best video about how to still enjoy Christmas but not be overwelmed. I always have been trying how to explain to others why I just cant add so much christmas clutter to the house and still have it be festive. I guess I should realize that I shouldnt have to defend how minimal my decorations are. I like my nativities and lights and candles. I got rid of my tree last year but still have many beautiful ornaments that I would like to display. Thanks for making me think about it all. Keep on making those videos.
I can relate to what you said about people draining you. I'm the same way and need down time to re-charge and not become anxious. I love to sit and read and/or watch a Christmas movie!
Loooooveeee your videos!!!! Thank you for sharing. I started by ruining Thanksgiving for otgers by not doing all the things that makes them happy but drains me. And it was very hard but very peaceful. Ur input has given me peace of mind that I am not the only one feeling this way. THANK YOU❤ I am also ruining Christmas 😁and I am ok with it 👍 sending much love your way🌿
I did better this year than others but I still ended up on my feet all day so others could visit. I vowed to do better for Christmas and I’m very happy so far. 😂 It was “just enough” decorating and dinner will probably be meatloaf, but we’ll all enjoy church and visiting.
I love this! I really wish my fiancé and Is families would be do Christmas dinners on days different then Christmas Eve and day cause as we all get married and start families it becomes a lot to go to all of these events 👏👏
I just don’t have the motivation to decorate this year, I saw all the bins of decorations and just said “nope” My tree is up, mantle decorated, nativity in place. That is enough.
We like doing Thanksgiving and Christmas morning here with our immediate family. When my husband and I first got married I remember we would open our presents and then like rush over to open presents with his family like immediately after like the kids didn't even get to play with anything. They started doing their Christmas gift exchange on the Friday before Christmas and my mother would have hers on Christmas Eve but typically like earlier in the day into early evening. Not a late night obviously since Christmas was the next day in the little children need to get in bed. I really love having the main holidays with my immediate family. There are no outside expectations Just the typical stress in our own family problems and personal expectations. 🤣
We are using less Christmas decor. Our children are adults now. They handmade alot of adorable Christmas ornaments that we decorate our tree with each year. We've decided to ask our adult children to choose thier ornaments to take home for thier tree at thier home. We will keep a few. We think it's time to downsize our decor & let our adult children enjoy thiers. We were going to do this last year but forgot. This year, it's a must. Thanks for your informative & humorous videos.
I went to a 2 ft tree in a decorative bucket about 10 yrs ago. What a game changer. Limited outings to 1 gathering with friends and 1 with family. And have explored putting out just enough decorations to feel like the holidays and take 30 minutes to put away. No muss no fuss.
SO smart!! I love how you limit the socializing to what is manageable too
This minimal decorating thing must be a trend this year. I used to go all out with the decorations, but this year like yourself, I’m doing just enough to say it’s decorated, but not knocking myself out in order to put everything out only to spend an entire day or two putting it all away again in three weeks. I’m not even putting up the tree this year because my cat always chews on it and makes himself sick, so yeah, that’s not fun. Plus lugging the thing up two flights of stairs from the basement gets harder every year. 🙂
I like having my nativity out till the 2nd of February. This year we just took the lights off and left it there. We just need to put them around.
I had plans but this whole week, I have been down bedridden, just as I think I can, I get knocked down again. 😅 😩
It's what my husband and I do for years now: We just stay at home and enjoy our peaceful quiet home. I stressed us out to visit my parents, his parents and never had time for ourselfs.
It’s great!
In our family, we agreed to no gift exchanges between adults. Stress reduced, serenity increased!
That sounds WONDERFUL to me!!
Hey, I am ruining Christmas too! Leaving my brother to make Christmas festive for our elderly parents (whom I care for daily), so that I can be with my newly-married son and daughter-in-law out of state. It was a sudden decision. Thankfully, everybody is supportive and my son is thrilled that I'm coming.
Because of covid for the past couple of years I have had better Christmases since we were able to cut out a lot of social gatherings/ family obligations. For my household to be able to enjoy Christmas we stay home that day, just us. We then spend the 26 driving to all the family/friends houses. We bring lawn chairs and visit outside. This usually makes for shorter visits, which is needed with some of the more difficult family. I would love to "ruin Christmas" by forgoing all gifts for the most part.
We shouldn't sacrifice our own happiness for tradition or out of obligation. I needed to hear and accept this for the better part of 43 years! 💝Amen💝
Yes Melissa!! Exactly.
this struck me to the depths of my soul. I feel like I did that. I tried so hard to make magical Christmases for my now 35 yr old son when he was little. But my parents were divorced and I had to go to two different sets of parents plus my husband's parents and none of them would give an inch as to when they celebrated. I was ran ragged and I resented it back then. I thought I hid it well. Apparently not, because my son HATES Christmas. And it breaks my heart. I feel like I did something terrible that I was unaware of that contributed to this. He says not. But I don't know. God Bless Robyn for getting this message out. Love this channel. It has been a life changer. I am the most extroverted introvert you will ever meet. And I am finally realizing at the ripe old age of 56, it's ok for me to be that way. Again, God Bless you Robyn and Melissa as well. Merry CHRISTmas to all.
This is our 2nd year of being empty-nesters and we decided that for the most part nobody really comes over except on the actual holiday so we’re not going to feel one bit bad about not putting up much. It’s a tough tradition to break but it’ll be good.
@@cindyb8775 Oh thank you so much Cindy
I agree with YOU ...WE GIVE MONEY .. CHRISTMAS DONE!,,,,,,,
Totally!!
I had plans for this month. Good plans. They did not include all 8 of us having covid Thanksgiving weekend. We are mostly recovered, just really, really tired. Interestingly, not a single person who lives in my house has asked about putting up a tree and expressed disappointment that we haven't decorated yet. Ironically, this seems to bother people who do NOT live in my house. I don't know if we'll decorate this year, but we'll still enjoy being together, and that's all that matters!
Haha, aren't people so funny? Their opinions don't matter! You do what you love this year!
Do what you love this year. However if they are horribly bothered, invite them to come one evening to put up a tree and decorate it while all of your family goes out in the car looking at lights. 😁
Lol we did not have a television in our home for like 5 years to improve famipy time and correct ingrained habits and weirdly the only people it bothered were thowe who did not live with us 😂😂 Glad you are all recovered!!
Every year for the last 22 years, we’ve put up the tree and decorated the day after Thanksgiving. This year, the tree isn’t even up yet and none of us care. 😂 I put up some lights on a fence, set out a Christmas table runner, and set the battery operated candles in windows. This year’s decor can fit in one bin. Stress-free shopping was done in October. I even used leftover wrapping paper from the last two years - something I never would have done. It’s just like you said: It’s the being together that matters. What’s the point of running ragged? It will still be Christmas.🎄
@@loveamazing1835 yes, have them sign up for the cleanup before they decorate.
Excellent, excellent video. You are absolutely right that you need to make a Christmas that you will enjoy yourself rather than stressing out fitting into someone else’s plans for you.
Loved your choice of photo for the line “I was honestly so devastated... I was cranky “ 🤣 Perfect 😂
As I became a Grandma I couldn’t wait to have all of the kids and grandkids over Christmas Day like we did at my grandparents and like our kids did at their grandparents. 4 of our 5 kids have declared they are staying home on Christmas Day and have for many years leaving their parents/grandparents alone for the best day of the year! It is very lonely and sad for us. We get together other days in December but it is not the same. We feel robbed of Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. ( all live in the same town) Can’t wait for Christmas to be over now.
Oh that's a shame. Are you able to visit them?
I totally get that.
Don’t want to do Christmas at all this year so I’m not decorating the house, no turkey dinner, no family bothering me. I might go out for a walk and watch a movie 🍿 with my partner. I really don’t see the point in Christmas, it’s just an excuse for mass consumerism.
The point of Christmas is that Jesus Christ was born. I agree that the consumer frenzy obscures the point, but it's still there if you look a little deeper. Try the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 1.
The beauty of Christmas is in simplicity, warmth, coziness and love. It is not and should not be a commercial, flashy materialistic superproduction! In France we love our traditions but usually in the "less is more" philosophy. A few beautiful, meaningful ornaments, lovely music, a delicious but not necessarily complicated meal, with close family or close friends, or even alone according to the situation. Christmas at my grandparents or at my parents has always been wonderful, never overwhelming, and now as a grandmother I continue the same traditions with my children and grand-children. I still have a few ornaments from my childhood and my children's childhoods, and to us they are more precious and beautiful than anything I see in the stores.
This sounds wonderful!!
I do not think you are ruining Christmas. You are celebrating it in a way that makes you feel good, which is the way it is meant to be. Just be kind to yourselves and others (which you should ideally be all year round! ). Christmas is not about overconsumption, frenzy, competing for the most "successful" celebration, overwhelming and draining ourselves. It is a good time (if one wishes to) to slow down, think, appreciate life, our loved ones and what we have, share, and maybe also re-evaluate our needs.
When my children were little, my husband was a Fireman. He worked Christmas Day often. Back then my children didn't understand the calendar and we could celebrate the 24th or 26th. Several times "Mrs Claus".( HA). had to put toys together ( because Santa's gifts were unwrapped and under tree ) My husband would fix or tighten those toys after he got home in the morning and kids opened their gifts. Good times that I miss so much now that they are grown with their own families.
Aw, Leesa, Good memories.
Oh my goodness, this video hit home. I host a large Christmas party for friends and family every year, and the vast majority of the work is all on my shoulders. Normally, I am fine with that. I do work full time, and we are officially empty nesters, But.... My husband has been having major health issues the doctors have been unable to diagnose for almost two years, our house is under construction, (both bathrooms are currently ripped apart, we own are own business, and are crazy busy, and to top it off, my Dad died, shortly before Christmas. (I have been helping to care for him for many years, due to Parkinson's) I also grew up with those amazing Christmas'. My husband did not get to experience this, and I always strive to make everything perfect for him, the children, my parents, friends, everyone..... Because our house is torn apart, I rented a building for this year's party, lugged everything there, decorated not only our house, but the venue, cooked, cleaned, and it was beautiful, and delicious, but I was exhausted, and my heart was just not in it. I literally just wanted to stop everything, grab a can of popcorn, put my pj's on, climb in bed and watch Christmas movies, but did not want to disappoint anyone. Maybe I will feel differently next year, and it is just heartbreak, and exhaustion clouding my current judgment, but I am seriously considering a change next year.
I totally get it. It's so hard sometimes! Make a plan for a change!
This was so enlightening. Many of us do the rush rush and neglect to just enjoy. I’ll keep this in mind this year, more joy. More peace. Less rush.
Thanks Denise! It's all about the reason.
I am joining you on this plan of doing less this holiday season, for my own sanity. Most of the responsibilities fall on my shoulders, but this year I'm paring down!!
Yep! Me too!! Yay Amanda!
As soon as my kids were out on their own, I declared Christmas dinner would be potluck. Ditto Thanksgiving. It makes the holidays so much ,ore relaxed for everyone.
Sounds lovely!
Hi. The first Christmas after my divorce I asked my daughters (ages 8 and 3) what they would like for Christmas dinner and they said spaghetti. So that’s what we did.
Oh that sounds just perfect!
Xmas least fav holiday. Too much everything. Gift to self: Every yr I give up a Xmas Expectation; cards, baking, tree, most decorations, hosting the masses, too much spending...Sounds Grinchy & I am, & when kids were growing up, this would have not worked, but in this season of life it's refreshing. I feel less overwhelmed. Is worth it. Bah humbug. :)
Haha, good for you by removing what is stressing you!
A few years ago, I decreed that xmas day we stayed home all day. We do an xmas eve day potluck brunch for family instead. All the family fun, less of the stress. The change I made this year was no scheduled advent activities ... sure we'll still bake cookies and go on a walk to look at xmas lights and make paper snowflakes, but we'll be spontaneous and do these things when we feel like it.
Sounds like a lovely time Allison!
It is such a GREAT idea to spread out Christmas and celebrate on several days instead of trying to churn everything and everyone in on one day and get exausted
We do a version on that with my family, my partners parents, his siblings, my siblings, friends who count as family, divorces, half siblings and their parents aso...
Tho one thing that is soooo important for me NO ONE is left alone on the 24:th (The main Christmas celebration day here in Sweden).
Absolutely!! Yes, no one left alone!
Less is more.. Less stuff and more time to invest in the people and festivities you love. 💝🙏💝
Absolutely!!
Oh I'm loving the sound of this peaceful stress free Christmas 😍 count me in!!!
Yay Patricia! Join us!
Thank you for your commitment to be a nurse and serve others! My daughter is currently looking at nursing schools. Your videos are always so insightful! I am not going to be worried about making things to make the house smell good or baking loaves of bread or muffins. Instead I’m going to make our environment simple and enjoy those around me. 🌸
When I was a young (single) mother living hours away from my parents and the traditional Christmas dinner, I eventually decided it was not fair to the kids. They waited all year for Christmas, they helped decorate, we had the tree, Santa came, they opened their presents, then we got into the car and drove 3 hours to grandma’s house. The presents they wished for and waited for were left home not played with yet. After a few years, I decided, we would go on the weekend between Christmas and New Years. The kids were happier, I was less stressed, we still visited all the relatives, it was so much more relaxed. Dinner was not the high point for me, visiting and enjoying being with everyone was the best part. My kids are grown now, for a long time I hosted, but now we have a Christmas Eve party, to which I am a guest, it is the big food event. Christmas Day is more low key. I’m the Grandma now, they come to visit me, we might have a light lunch or just desert and cookies. It’s almost like full circle. What used to be stressful, is now metered out in the months and weeks before. Christmas has become a day to relax, reflect and enjoy.
Sounds like a smart way to do things Linda!
You’ve really figured it out! 👍🏼
Yes! Adjusting expectations of yourself (and others!) is a key to reducing stress and increasing happiness. It's so amazing and wonderful you still have your grandparents!! Treasure them ❤️ I lost my last and closest grandparent, my Nan, in 1989 and I miss her sooo much, especially at Christmas time.
Oh yes, I do! I think that's why I want to do this on a different day for sure.
so agree with you, however, I really do think you are not "ruining" Christmas just enjoying it in a peaceful, joyous way with your family
Thanks Loretta!!
Yes, I opened my bins this year and let out a big sigh. I felt I wasn’t cheery enough. I set out a few of my favorites and bought a fresh tree, I think I just want lights and ribbon on it, basking in the beauty of green.
I enjoyed hearing about your family christmases, we never had those and I always wanted to start those traditions but now I feel burn out. I want the simple things it turns out. So, I cleared out my Christmas bins and have some extra wrapping for the donation center. Feels good to feel light and celebrate the season happy 😃
I'm glad you are getting started Marie. Maybe you can start one tradition this year and see how it feels.
One tradition we try keeping is no opening presents till after 12 because they can become coal. Knowing that, you probably got what you wanted, you definitely don't want anything turning into coal.
I have carpal tunne so I have been posting wrapping years pasted, maybe 😅 this year I get to it.
I really resonated with this video. Thank you. I am also doing some food gift basket type things for family and the kids teachers, such a stress free gift idea
YAy! Thanks Becky!! I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
I love yours and the minimal moms channel! This is a great video! I’ve recently really tried to wrap my mind around being a little more minimal!
That's awesome! I really enjoy living with less
I am really glad I watched this. I feel over 100% the same way. I want MY Christmas to be peaceful and serene. And so I'm right there with you...this year 2021 is the year. Thanks.🎄
YES! You're on the team! This year is peaceful for us!
I want a simpler and more peaceful Christmas this year too!
You will have it, if you make it!
I was prepared to host the family Christmas dinner at our house this year, since I did it the last time and my mother seemed so happy to have it off her shoulders. But it turns out: Not everybody liked celebrating at my house because ... well ... it wasn't my mom's house, it wasn't her cooking, it wasn't her decor and all her rituals and traditions. So now, it's back in mom's hands. At first, I felt really sad and also quite offended. I truly love Christmas and I did my best as a host. But now I'm cool with it. I'll be a helpful guest to my mother and other than that I'll just enjoy having less stress during the holidays.
Great attitude! I didn't think about this, but that could also be something my family would think too!
Don't know about your grandparents residence, but most care facilities offer a wonderful holiday dinner for residence and their families. Need to schedule ahead, but we did it for years.
Yes, I think they do, so I'm happy for that!
5:36 is just one of the many reasons I adore you! 🤣
Haha, thank you!!
This was the best video about how to still enjoy Christmas but not be overwelmed. I always have been trying how to explain to others why I just cant add so much christmas clutter to the house and still have it be festive. I guess I should realize that I shouldnt have to defend how minimal my decorations are. I like my nativities and lights and candles. I got rid of my tree last year but still have many beautiful ornaments that I would like to display. Thanks for making me think about it all. Keep on making those videos.
That is so wonderful Katie!! Yes, you don't need to defend your decisions. Do what makes you happy! Thanks for the nice comment and for watching!
I can relate to what you said about people draining you. I'm the same way and need down time to re-charge and not become anxious. I love to sit and read and/or watch a Christmas movie!
Yes, for sure! I need more downtime now than ever.
Loooooveeee your videos!!!! Thank you for sharing. I started by ruining Thanksgiving for otgers by not doing all the things that makes them happy but drains me. And it was very hard but very peaceful. Ur input has given me peace of mind that I am not the only one feeling this way. THANK YOU❤
I am also ruining Christmas 😁and I am ok with it 👍 sending much love your way🌿
Thanks so much! Yes, I definitely am not into pleasing others as my expense.
I did better this year than others but I still ended up on my feet all day so others could visit. I vowed to do better for Christmas and I’m very happy so far. 😂 It was “just enough” decorating and dinner will probably be meatloaf, but we’ll all enjoy church and visiting.
Thank you. The amount of peace this video brought me was enormous ❤️
Oh I am SO happy to read this!!
I love this! I really wish my fiancé and Is families would be do Christmas dinners on days different then Christmas Eve and day cause as we all get married and start families it becomes a lot to go to all of these events 👏👏
Amen sister! Love this!
Thanks Friend!!
Good idea and good for you for making it happen that way. You will enjoy it much better.
Thanks Sylvia!! I think I will!!
Oh my goodness that bag that you're putting candy in made me crack up. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hahaha! I bought it as a lunch bag, but just give gifts in it!
I just don’t have the motivation to decorate this year, I saw all the bins of decorations and just said “nope” My tree is up, mantle decorated, nativity in place. That is enough.
Sounds perfect for what you want!
Thank you!
You are welcome Ivana! Thanks for watching!
Excellent advice!
Thank you Melissa!
Fabulous intel! I just love how you presented this concept. How about we all enjoy Christmas 🎄 ❤️ from a fellow Canadian.
Thanks Charmaine! I'm glad you liked it!
The group is awesome! Thank you!
Thank you Victoria!
We like doing Thanksgiving and Christmas morning here with our immediate family. When my husband and I first got married I remember we would open our presents and then like rush over to open presents with his family like immediately after like the kids didn't even get to play with anything. They started doing their Christmas gift exchange on the Friday before Christmas and my mother would have hers on Christmas Eve but typically like earlier in the day into early evening. Not a late night obviously since Christmas was the next day in the little children need to get in bed. I really love having the main holidays with my immediate family. There are no outside expectations Just the typical stress in our own family problems and personal expectations. 🤣
I love your plan!
I subscribed from mega motivation playlist. ❤️ Glad I found you.
Yay! I'm so glad you found me too!
This was super encouraging to me this year! Thanks for your perspective.
I'm so glad you liked it Anna! Thanks
Yes! Preach it!
Thanks Rachel!!
Loooooved that video!!!
Thanks so much Lena!
Good for you! Enjoy:)
Thanks Denise!!
I love your eat your vegetables bag. It made me laugh . I might have to make me one. A en to this video.
Amen to your video.
Haha! Thanks for watching Patti!
You are from the Koots? I grew up in the Elk Valley
Cool! I grew up in Nelson/Trail area. I now live on the island
2:00 a.m.!! 😂🤣😂
Seriously! 2!
When my children started having their families, I started giving the adults money
Yes! That is what my plan is!
Down with Christmas! Lol jk great video tho
Haha, thanks Demetri!
Covid has ruined Christmas in NZ. we need passports to leave our districts. I dont have one so i will be alone for the first time in my 78 years.
Oh my word, really?? That's terrible. I'm so sorry Jan
Are you an INTJ?
Hey! I'm an INFJ
Hey thats cool. My daughter is an INFJ.