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Post by goldilocks on Nov 22, 2018 20:58:24 GMT
For the last few years, I have increasingly been questioning holiday traditions and adaptin them acording to the needs of me and my dear ones.
This year in my friend group, our only gifts will be nonserious and either recycled or edible so we do not add any clutter.
What we enjoy most is playing a game and chatting and laughing with one another. None of us really like shopping for gifts or owning the new items as much
My mother and I have already long refrained from gifts that are not edible or an experience, and we focus on relaxing, cooking and eating a good meal together.
As she has physical pains, she most enjoys having groceries delivered at her house and knowing she need not go out in the cold unless she wants to.
I like being able to focus on the things that nourish me; getting extra rest, connecting my my dearest ones, enjoying my own company, spending a few days on hobbies, going for walks.
Less stress, more joy!
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Post by ocarina on Nov 22, 2018 23:34:55 GMT
For the last few years, I have increasingly been questioning holiday traditions and adaptin them acording to the needs of me and my dear ones. This year in my friend group, our only gifts will be nonserious and either recycled or edible so we do not add any clutter. What we enjoy most is playing a game and chatting and laughing with one another. None of us really like shopping for gifts or owning the new items as much My mother and I have already long refrained from gifts that are not edible or an experience, and we focus on relaxing, cooking and eating a good meal together. As she has physical pains, she most enjoys having groceries delivered at her house and knowing she need not go out in the cold unless she wants to. I like being able to focus on the things that nourish me; getting extra rest, connecting my my dearest ones, enjoying my own company, spending a few days on hobbies, going for walks. Less stress, more joy! Me too me too a hundred times over! I hate "things" they required debt, looking after, clutter, servicing, cleaning etc etc and I feel manipulated into over spending by the Black Friday brigade and the like.
I have lots of kids away at University plus a few younger ones so Christmas is a real day for togetherness - for laughing and fun and cooking together. They will have presents - but ones that are needed and wanted. I get to rest for a bit whilst the family look after the logistics. It's good to have a day with no shops open, no work and time to simply be - maybe take a walk by the sea early in the morning, probably carols or something in church the night before,
I think Christmas can be a wonderful time - infact more wonderful, if stripped of the capitalist hype - just my opinion!
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Post by ocarina on Nov 24, 2018 23:38:41 GMT
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Post by goldilocks on Nov 25, 2018 0:45:29 GMT
Love this!
Essential for me is enjoying my favorite winter foods, spending extra time with my family and friends, a week off and some extra sleep. My favorite DC from the 90's. Making a donation to an effective charity. A few small decorations.
Thing I like but don't need: A small amount of shopping online and in my neighbourhood where it is quiet. I do like treating myself a bit and may use this time to replace clothing and make up, stock up on drinks and snacks and get a few seasonal self care product. A few good dinners in town. The food is good this time of year, but if my calender is full, I need not try all the restaurants on my list. A small tabletop christmas tree. Christmas songs on the radio. Snow on a weekend. Attending a christmas market.
Non essentials: Estended family (Logistics and not everyone is nice.) More than 2 work events (A few times is cool, but I prefer my friends.) Overeating. Shopping in very busy stores. Any gifts with strings attached. Sending christmas cards: This seems like such a drag to me. It closely resembles admin work in my mind. Any activity on january 1st.
Fortunately everyone is on the same page in my circles. There is no pressure to spend a lot, but new clothes or spend more time in the kitchen than I like. There is a little pressure to indulge a bit extra. And even if I have to guard my me-time, I also feel grateful to have 2 circles of friends, old ones and new ones, with a few extra invitations. Many people complain they can't make friends after 30 and I have made a whole extra circle to connect with locally!
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Post by goldilocks on Nov 25, 2018 0:48:42 GMT
Me too me too a hundred times over! I hate "things" they required debt, looking after, clutter, servicing, cleaning etc etc and I feel manipulated into over spending by the Black Friday brigade and the like.
I have lots of kids away at University plus a few younger ones so Christmas is a real day for togetherness - for laughing and fun and cooking together. ....
I think Christmas can be a wonderful time - infact more wonderful, if stripped of the capitalist hype - just my opinion!
I agree! Being together is what it is about. Of course, when people are together there needs to be food, but a lot of traditions are not essential and detract from what is worthwhile! |
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Post by ocarina on Dec 28, 2018 23:19:44 GMT
Hi goldilocks - and did you manage to keep it simple? How was your Christmas? |
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