It’s Time to Edit Our To Do List

We all need to edit our to do list this year. 2020 has been weird and hard and heartbreaking and all the things. There’s no way to beat around the bush or sugar coat it. The holidays are supposed to be filled with joy and glad tidings, but this year many of us are grieving, struggling financially, feeling burned out, or all of the above. I see you. I hear you. And I am here to encourage you.

Exhale

Take a couple of deep breaths, mama. When you exhale, let it go. Let go of your expectations of what this holiday season will be like. Let’s agree to leave some wiggle room in our schedules. Let’s agree to take it day by day. There. Does that take some of the pressure off? I hope it does. Speaking of plans, let’s take a look at our holiday to do lists. I’m not talking about the practical things that are non-negotiable. I’m talking about that holiday baking that you do every single year, the 17 Christmas movies are a must watch, and the five course dinner that you typically serve on Christmas day. Those things. The things that you might really enjoy but maybe won’t or shouldn’t happen this year.

Let Go

It is okay to not do all the things. It is ok to cross things off your holiday to do list because you don’t have the capacity to get every thing done. This isn’t a lesson just for 2020. I actually learned this truth last year. There wasn’t one specific thing that was going on in my 2019 life, but I was feeling SO spread thin by the beginning of December. A lot of little things added up, and I was just DONE before it even started. The holiday season felt like some gigantic mountain I was going to be forced to climb. I realized that’s not how I wanted to spend my time. I am worthy of enjoying the Christmas season just as much as my kids and the rest of my family. Therefore, I made the decision, and I crossed some big things off my list. IT WAS FREEING! I was able to enjoy the holiday season with my family without feeling like I was in servitude to them.

Focus on What Really Matters

This year has been really interesting. It has really made us focus on what really matters. What really matters to you? What fills your cup during this time? What brings your family joy? By crossing off the things that don’t really matter, we can make room for this things that do. I am excited to make room for is decorating gingerbread houses as a new family tradition. But here’s the kicker, because I’ve crossed some things off, I am planning on baking the gingerbread myself. This is something that I have wanted to do for years but haven’t been able to because of being distracted by other things. This year, what matters most to us is that our family feels peaceful and bonded. Every activity is put through that filter. If it doesn’t meet that basic criteria, then it’s crossed off the list. So, let’s all edit our to do list together this year, and enjoy the things that really matter. For more practical tips on having a stress free holiday season, you can read my post here.

What are you crossing off your list this year? Are you adding anything to it? Let me know in the comments below and don’t forget to like and share if you enjoyed this post. Happy Holidays!!