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How I’m Having an Intentional Holiday Season

mom and daughter in front of a carousel

I can’t tell you how many parents I know who sound stressed out during the holidays. There just seems to be so much to do on top of our regular (borderline overwhelming anyway) responsibilities, right?

I find that this time of year I have to make a concentrated effort to live with intention to avoid getting burned out. So I thought I’d share four things I’m doing to keep my serenity during the holidays just in case you need some inspiration. 🙂

woman doing push ups

1. Making Time to Exercise

Nothing makes me feel Grinchy like missing my workout. But I find I sacrifice it (sometimes without even realizing it) when things get extra busy. So I am committing to MAKE the time to exercise at least 30 minutes 5 days each week, regardless of what else is going on. It just has to take priority for my own well-being and consequently the well-being of those around me. How’s that saying go… if momma ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy? Well, it’s true.

If you can’t make it to the gym, check out some free no-equipment needed routines on my Pinterest Workouts Board.

little girl decorating gingerbread house

2. Doing Less

This year I am cutting out some normal and expected holiday activities in favor of a slower pace. So far it is working out beautifully and I don’t feel like I have missed out on anything!

I’m also blogging less at a time when many bloggers are sacrificing sleep to get more posts and more deals. I am a firm believer in quality over quantity and if I see a fantastic gift idea I will of course make the time to share, but I’m not trying to post about anything and everything. I hope my readers will understand that in order to keep my sanity and make time for my family this holiday, I have to cut back on blogging just a bit.

3. Asking for Help

I have historically not been good about asking for help when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Somewhere along the line I picked up the erroneous belief that I need to be able to do it all totally by myself! Well, I consciously work every day to correct that attitude and ask for help when I start to feel stretched thin. I am reaching out to Grandpa for help watching our little one so I can finish up some gift-making. I have asked friends for help collecting supplies for our little girl’s birthday party instead of trying to buy or find everything myself. No one seems to mind (at least not that I can tell!) and collectively we will make wonderful memories and hopefully enjoy the celebrations a little bit more.

little girl with inflatable christmas mickey

4. Avoiding the Stores

Yesterday I went to a strip mall for the first (and last) time this holiday shopping season. Wow, was it amazing how many people were there jostling for parking spaces and dashing from store to store. I have done all of my holiday gift-getting online this year as well as making many presents at home. I’m not sure I could stay peaceful and joyful during the holidays if I spent much time at stores. Plus I noticed that while there, I began to question if I had “enough” presents for folks in my life. The power of commercialism and advertising is so strong!

The truth is, the thoughtful and heartfelt gifts I have for my friends and family are more than enough. I’ve stayed within our budget and we’re giving to everyone on our list. And we are enjoying time together instead of running around shopping.

Happy holidays banner

I hope you are enjoying the most wonderful time of the year as well. Happy Holidays!

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