Many of us draw near Christmastime with a mixture of anticipation and dread. Anticipation, because of all the things that surround this special time of year, and dread, because of all of the party planning, gift buying, food preparation and demands of the season.
Yes, you can have a simple and enjoyable holiday season with minimal stress. With a little planning and a lot of creativity, you will be able to look back on Christmas 2007 with fond memories of family and friends and all the hope and magic the holiday season brings.
Here are some simple and inexpensive ideas you can think about as you approach the holiday.
Christmas cards
Gather all the supplies you will need—Christmas cards, a nice pen, your address book, stamps, etc.—and put them in one place, such as a box or basket. Have a goal of sending out just five cards a day until your list is complete. Even if you send out more than fifty cards, it won’t seem so overwhelming if you focus on only a few a day. This will also allow you time to write a small personal note to each person you hold dear.
Trimming the tree
Whether you have an artificial tree or put up a real one every year, you can create a tradition of decorating it as a family. Play your favorite Christmas music, serve some hot cocoa or eggnog and a simple treat, and spend the evening putting on all the decorations. Reminisce about any handmade ornaments and enjoy the time together as a family. Get the whole family involved (even little ones can help) by making some old fashioned paper chains or stringing popcorn as garland. Your tree should be a reflection of your family, and as unique and special as you are.
Decorating your table
Get creative! Look around your house for things you can use to decorate your table without spending money. I once laid a simple wreath on the table and put a topiary in the center. I dressed up my plain white china with some cloth napkins held together with some pretty ribbon and a spring of evergreen left over from our tree cuttings. Add some candles and dim the lights and you have all the makings for a special holiday meal—without spending a dime!
If you’re hosting …
Have a potluck—please don’t be appalled at the suggestion! Most people would love to help out by bringing a dish to a holiday meal. When someone offers, say, “How kind of you to offer. It would be wonderful if you could bring the (bread/salad/dessert).” Your guest will feel more connected and involved and you will have one less thing to do.
If you’re a guest …
Be sure to RSVP so that the host will know how much to prepare. Offer to bring a dish to pass. If the host declines, bring a small gift to show your appreciation. One of my favorite ideas is to dip plastic spoons in melted chocolate. Let them set, wrap them up in cellophane and ribbon and put them in a pretty mug or small vase for the hostess to keep. Another simple idea is to pre-measure all of the dry ingredients for your favorite cookie and put them into a jar. Attach the complete recipe and a wooden spoon with some raffia for her to bake at another time.
Wrapping presents
To simplify holiday gift wrapping, use brown craft paper and tie it together with fancy ribbon. You can even make your own gift tags with rubber stamps and some plain white cardstock. They only take a few minutes to make and bring a personal touch to your gift. (And when you hand your gift to the recipient, use both hands, rather than just one. This communicates that your gift is something special that you’ve put a lot of thought into).
Take some time for yourself
Carve out a half hour each day to do something nice for yourself. Curl up with a good book, savor a cup of hot coffee or tea before the rest of the family wakes up, or take a brisk walk after dinner to be alone with your thoughts.
Be thankful
Keep a gratitude journal. When the stresses of the season begin getting to you, start counting your blessings. Take a few minutes before you go to bed to write down five things you are thankful for. Do this on a regular basis, such as every other day or once a week, to lift your spirits.
As you begin the New Year
After Christmas is over and the decorations have been put away, consider making a short video with your family. Have each family member talk about the events of the previous year and share special memories. Start a tradition of watching it on New Year’s Day of the next year. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the memories fade. Keep them fresh with this idea. If creating a video is not your thing, make a scrapbook instead and record a special memory from each person in the family.
Kimberly Chmielewski and her husband Tom reside in Portage, Michigan and have twin sons. Kimberly also serves on the Calvary Bible Church Nursery Committee.
