There Is No Right Way

December 19, 2014

Despite my best efforts at simplifying, I’m stressing a bit right now. In case you haven’t noticed, Christmas is almost here. And even though we’re having a quiet family dinner, we have a bare minimum of decorations (see last year’s “Link Love: Holiday Edition” for the reason why), and we have what I consider a quite reasonable list of people to exchange gifts and greetings with, I still find myself dashing around—this morning, a trip to Costco is in order and my gas tank is running on empty, so I’ll have to stop and gas up, oh and while I’m out, I think I’ll have one of Chik-fil-A’s holiday peppermint chocolate chip milkshakes (a simple pleasure I missed last year to my great chagrin)… See what I mean?


The problem is, life wants to happen at the same time I’m busy making Christmas plans.

My challenge is to take the pressure off by doing only what is meaningful to our family, not getting caught up in what other people do this time of year (no matter how fun it sounds), and letting some of “life” slide for the time being. Not that this is news to me, of course, but I seem to need to be reminded again and again. There is no “right” way to celebrate the holidays, nor is there a “right” way to be happy. There is only the way that is right for me.

I hope you are having a joyful and stress-free holiday season! If you have time, share some of your favorite holiday traditions in the comments section below.

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6 comments

  1. Dear Kathy - don't feel alone friend in feeling pressured. I understand completely but for sure it will come whether I am ready or not. Very wise post about not trying to do what others are doing but what is meaningful to you and your loved ones. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Definitely go for that Milk Shake - sounds wonderful! Hugs

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  2. Our favorite way to spend the holidays (thanksgiving) is to cook all day and eat all evening with just us four. Very anti-social to others, awesome to us.

    Take the time to enjoy your family and practice moments of gratitude to remember it well.
    love to you and all you love.

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  3. Debbie--Every year I simplify a little more, and work towards more meaningful activities. And I did enjoy my milkshake very much!

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  4. Mary--I think that tradition sounds quite enjoyable! Thanks for the good wishes--I hope your holiday season is warm and wonderful.

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  5. Hi Kathy, boy do I hear you. Some of my kids came over this weekend and that was fun and easy, and have been very organized, but I am still worn out. We are heading over to Eugene for an early Christmas this afternoon, and then nothing until walking across the driveway to Cary's Mom's on Christmas Eve, but it all sees like too much work. I have simplified a lot over the past 6 or 7 years, but it is still a lot.

    Hugs and enjoy yourselves!

    Kathy M.

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  6. Kathy--I think it seems so busy because we tend to pack a lot of social activity into a small amount of time--even when we enjoy what we're doing, it still can become stressful. Hope all your Christmas celebrations are happy ones.

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