We have taken the holidays and turned them into a stressful time where people would rather find the best deals instead of focus on what the holidays are truly about.
We are so wrapped up in the things that make holidays spectacular instead of focusing on the people who make us spectacular. We want everything to go perfectly, but let the holidays slip through our fingers before we even get the chance to enjoy what’s going on around us. To put an end to this, this should be your revised holiday to do list.
1. Be present.
Instead of focusing on buying presents, we should focus on being more in the moment. We waste so much time finding the right gifts for people when we could spend those precious moments with people instead.
The holidays seem to be a blur at this time of year because we feel rushed to get everything done before the big day. We spend so much time out instead of with the people who matter to us.
2. Wrap someone in a hug.
Not only do we spend so much time buying presents, we spend even more time trying to wrap them. By this point, not only have you spent all of our time looking for the perfect gift, but you have spent all of this time wrapping them.
Instead of making the presents look perfect, show someone you care by wrapping that person in a hug. This will show that person that you truly care.
At the end of the day, knowing people love you because they show how much they care by being with you means a lot more than that CD they find at Target. Don’t get me wrong; I love Target. I do. Too much.
3. Send peace.
Okay, so now that you have the presents and made sure they are wrapped to perfection, what’s next on your list? Sending them. This also takes an unnecessary amount of time—time that could be spent with others.
Instead of focusing so much on sending gifts, focus on sending peace. With all of the terrible things going on in the world, we all need to be reminded that there is still good in the world. Reach out to people and wish them a happy holiday. Make people feel important because you never know how much something as simple as a “happy holidays!” can make someone’s day.
4. Donate food.
Now that all of your presents are taken care of, it’s time to make that delicious dinner for the entire family to rave about until they have to eat leftovers for the third day in a row.
The amount of hard work that goes into feeding your family is important. Having food on your table is important. With this in mind, there are many people who are starving. There are people who struggle to get even half of what you have on the table.
The holidays are a time where we need to be there for each other. While you’re shopping for your holiday feast, think about adding a couple of extra items to your cart to donate to people who could really benefit from it. We all deserve to have a happy holiday.
5. Make love.
No, it does not have to mean what you think it does. It can, absolutely. By all means, go for it. It’s a romantic time of the year. With that said, if you’re single for the holidays, please don’t feel like it is going to ruin the entire holiday season for you.
Your relationship status should not dictate how happy you are. This is a time full of magic. There are many people in your life who you love so show them. Give time to the people who matter in your life and show extra love to everyone around you.
Making cookies is always a blast, but it should not replace making people feel loved. However, you can always make cookies with loved ones. That’s fun. My best friend and I make cookies all night on Christmas Eve every year because it makes both of us happy.
6. Be the light.
Decorating your house and Christmas tree with lights is mostly a fun process—unless you’re like my family and get stressed out because the lights always seem to get tangled mysteriously while stored during the year.
Lights are beautiful and going around to see a bunch of beautiful light decorations is a breathtaking experience, but you have to remember that you are the most beautiful kind of light there is.
If everything seems to be going opposite to what you wanted, you have the power to change the way you react. Curve balls are going to come at you because nothing is ever going to be exactly the way you pictured it. Perfection does not exist. These imperfections are what make the holidays memorable. They are what make them fun. Be the kind of happiness you want for others.
The holidays should be a time for family and loved ones. We should spend more time focusing on what truly matters—being with them—instead of making sure that everything goes perfectly. This to-do list ensures more happiness around your family for the holidays. Make the most with what you have and share your thoughts and comments below.
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