The first step to truly enjoying the holidays is to forget about angry holiday shoppers and road-raged individuals who always need to make it to the mall before it has opened. In addition to evil-spirited consumers, the empty pockets and unnecessary stress due to gift giving can make you feel tired and overwhelmed. Also, you can’t forget how obsessive you become about your home or apartment before a group of guests come over for a night of festive gathering.
The trick is to focus on the important details that make the holidays such a wonderful time of the year. These reasons have little or nothing to do with money, but more so to with intangible experiences that bring people together.
The older you get, the easier it becomes for you to be satisfied. December is filled with these small joys that adults sometimes forget. I’m here to remind you of the good times the holidays bring and will always bring you.
While you frantically package and wrap all your family’s presents and place them under the tree, remember that there is still something about the holidays that has always made it the most special holiday of them all.
Time Away from the Office
Whether it’s only a day or a full week, time off from work is awesome. While much of your “free” time is probably spent shopping, cleaning to prepare for guests or maybe dealing with children while on holiday break, a full day of not having to sit at a desk is a gift in itself. You may have forgotten how incredible it is to sleep in an hour later than normal.
Fa-La-La Music
While you hang ornaments on the tree and set up various jolly decorations, nothing beats playing the classic holiday hits. If you haven’t listened to Bing Crosby and Vince Guaraldi while sipping hot cocoa and hanging handmade ornaments on the tree, you have been missing out. I’m sure this is an activity kids love, but there is something about holiday music that can even put an adult in the spirit.
Catered Lunch and Holiday Parties
The few weeks before a big holiday can make work more stressful. However, who can deny a delicious, free lunch? Not me. Nothing beats days off during December and free food. Also, consider your co-workers who may not have family to spend their time with. This may be their only time to celebrate the holiday with others.
Secondly, #NationalUglySweaterDay wasn’t necessarily created for children. It was created so adults could have an awesome themed party to sip on delicious holiday cocktails, all while munching on gourmet caramel popcorn and chips with all sorts of dips. You know you love a good dip. You get a chance to mix and mingle with your managers and listen to scandalous stories once the ‘nog has started to kick in—just don’t drink too much.
Charitable Contributions
One of the more important and satisfying to-dos of the season should include giving away some of your blessings to someone else who isn’t quite as fortunate.
While splurging on toys, expensive coffee mugs and pointless gifts for those who already have it all, it is easy to forget that there are families who aren’t able to exchange gifts. In more unfortunate cases, there are families who go days with food, clean water or even shoes. That’s something not thought of when you shower, throw on some yoga pants and sneakers and drive to the mall to shop for hours.
There are many ways to give to others. Running for a cause or donating clothes and toys can really make a difference in someone’s life. As an adult, there is something rewarding about knowing you are helping another individual, and the holidays are the perfect time to do so. Involve the entire family and make it a tradition.
Family and Friends
If you value your time, then maybe you already know your time is best spent is with those who care about you. The holidays present you with an opportunity to socialize with old friends and talk with your family you haven’t seen in a year.
This is so important because these are the people who matter in the end. Your daughter may not remember the three baby dolls you purchased for her this year, and your best friend may secretly despise the sweater you bought her, but it’s the time spent together and memories made that will be remembered.
If anything, this is what the holidays are about. It should never just be about gifts or money, but should involve sitting around a fire, eating good food, sharing stories, drinking and being cheerful together. As an adult, this understanding is the ultimate reason the holidays aren’t just for children.
How do you feel about the holidays as an adult? We’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Share your comments below.
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