December, the month of festivities, shimmering lights, and possibly the scent of cinnamon in the air. It’s a time many of us look forward to, but it can also turn into a whirlwind. Picture this: you’re juggling holiday plans, year-end work obligations, and social gatherings with the grace of a novice plate-spinner. Why do we keep doing this to ourselves? At heart, most of us yearn for a perfect holiday, a culmination of effort that leaves everyone content, but what if the real magic lies in the spaces between scheduled events?
Taking a cue from both past lessons and a desire for a saner December, here's a sensible look at what might be worth easing up on in your December diary. It's not about doing less, but about infusing more quality into every activity, while valuing your peace of mind.
1. Overloading Your Social Calendar
December might feel like it should win an award for "Most Social Month." Everyone you know seems to be hosting a get-together, and initially, the idea of seeing loved ones multiple times in a month seems brilliant. However, double and triple-booking yourself can lead to social burnout.
Why Lighten Up? According to psychological studies, maintaining meaningful social connections contributes to our happiness, but when quantity trumps quality, stress ensues. Make room in your schedule for spontaneity, for a cozy night in with a good book or some classic movie marathons. Give the gift of your authentic presence rather than just an appearance.
2. Packing Your Workload
Work projects have a notorious way of piling up as the year wraps up. It’s tempting to set ambitious goals to finish everything by December 31st. A diligent finish might sound smart now, but beware: the race to catch up can overshadow your time for personal activities and self-reflection during the holidays.
Smart Scheduling Tip: Renowned efficiency expert and author Laura Vanderkam suggests prioritizing work tasks based on urgency and importance. Aim to differentiate between what absolutely must be done for year-end and what can wait till January. Balance work commitments with personal downtime to foster greater productivity and clearer-headed decision-making when the new year dawns.
3. Excessive Gift Shopping
The spirit of giving warms the soul, however, fighting through crowded malls or staying up till midnight browsing online for the perfect gifts isn't the pinnacle of holiday cheer. One might argue that society’s narrative of gift-giving is at its peak in December, yet does it need to be?
Rethink the Approach: Instead of physical gifts, consider experiential presents, which increasingly resonate in today’s experience-driven culture. Some studies even suggest that shared experiences, like attending a concert or taking a class together, provide more lasting joy than tangible items. Alternatively, creatively curate homemade gifts or personalized vouchers that show thoughtfulness without adding stress or financial strain.
4. Over-planning Family Events
While family gatherings can be the main event, turning them into orchestrated productions could sap the joy right out of them. The need for perfection at family events is a common source of stress, with expectations often set sky-high.
Finding the Balance: Engage in collaborative planning, involving others in decisions about food, activities, or decorations. This not only reduces your personal responsibility but also encourages a sense of communal spirit. It’s often welcoming to realize that family togetherness thrives on relaxed conversations and laughter, not perfect execution.
5. Cramming Too Many Traditions
Holiday traditions are cherished, yet every year seems to brew an irresistible urge to renew each one—and add more! While keeping traditions close is important, trying to tackle them all can lead to exhaustion.
Streamline Your Season: Consider selecting a few key traditions that hold the most meaning to you and your family. Customize them to create new memories rather than perfectly recreating the past. Participation in meaningful connecting traditions, rather than every single traditional activity available, enriches the holiday experience.
6. Overscheduling Self-improvement Goals
Self-reflection and setting new goals can be rewarding, but beware of turning December into a planning frenzy before you’ve had time to bask in the year past. Overly ambitious resolutions can set unrealistic expectations of what’s to come.
Ground Yourself in Reality: Tap into what resonates deeply with you instead of widespread trends. As writer Anne Lamott encourages, give yourself permission to be okay with not having it all figured out just yet. Set broad intentions, then break them down into achievable steps that you can explore throughout the year, allowing flexibility for growth and change.
7. Overthinking Festive Cuisine
It's easy to fall into a culinary quest, believing we should prepare a feast worthy of praise. While it’s heartwarming to treat loved ones, the stress of preparation shouldn’t eclipse the event's joy.
Culinary Simplicity: Consulting with culinary experts reveals that often the most cherished dishes are those rooted in simplicity. Famed chef Jamie Oliver opines about rustic, simple meals that celebrate local ingredients and don't require a culinary degree to appreciate. Encourage a potluck style feast where sharing alleviates pressure and introduces variety.
Beyond the Search: Unwrapping New Insights
Digital Detox: Allocate a day where you intentionally disconnect from all screens, allowing yourself to connect more deeply with those around you.
Charity Contributions: Integrate a family tradition where each family member donates time or resources to a chosen cause, enriching the meaning of the festive season.
Gratitude Projects: Create a gratitude jar where everyone can jot down the year’s highlights, then read them together to culminate the year on a positive note.
Revive Old Hobbies: Use the slower pace as an opportunity to reconnect with past hobbies or learn new skills that could revive your spirit in the coming year.
An Annual Family Digest: Assemble a small booklet or digital compilation of the year’s achievements, milestones, and funny moments—something everyone can look back on with fondness.
Craft a Cozy Conclusion
As we step closer to the holiday season, take a moment to weigh where your presence would matter most and feel most fulfilling. December is not about filling every corner with obligations, but about selectively choosing what truly enriches your life and the lives of those around you. When you choose quality over quantity, you’ll find the heart of the season beats stronger and the connections you nurture grow deeper. Ultimately, it's these thoughtful pauses that color the holidays in ways that are meaningful and memorable, leading to a joyful transition into the new year.
May your December be merry, not manic. Here’s to defining your own sense of wonder and celebration, in your unique rhythm.
