‘Tis the Season to Take Things Off Your Plate

Something awful happened to me this year. I saw Christmas coming around the bend and had unexpected feelings of anxiety and, dare I say, dread. So many presents to buy, school parties to plan, decorations to put up, light shows to attend, crafts to do, fun holiday outings to plan. I feel nauseous writing it all down—and I feel guilty for saying that.

It is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year with our kids, but I’m hearing from more and more moms that Christmas has become the most exhausting and stressful time of the year. Why do we let it happen?

My suggestion, for myself and all of you, is to make The List. Write down all of the things you think you have to do to make Christmas perfect this year, then Marie Condo the heck out of it. If the activity gives you anxiety or doesn’t spark joy, cross it off.

Give yourself permission to cross off around half of the items. Do not let the fear of missing out or social media antics make you pack your schedule this year. Your priority should be to do less and be more present. I absolutely can promise you that the quiet peaceful moments spent at home this season will be the special ones that make your heart burst. That’s what you will always remember. In a digital age where everything is pushing for more, that age-old principle still rings true: Less is actually more. The quality of time spent together is more important than the quantity of activities. We have to choose wisely.

We missed a special Christmas kick-off party last week because the baby was fussy. I felt guilty, and my husband told me to let it go. We turned off our phones, watched Home Alone as a family and made popcorn. I’ve never heard my son laugh so hard. We had an incredible family moment that I would have missed if I was rushing out the door to do something fun. So this season, let it be. Let it go. Let the magic happen instead of trying to force it. Let all of the simple moments fill you up with seasonal joy. If you have time, I also recommend listening to the audio book Present Over Perfect.

The painter Hans Hofmann once said, “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” Have I already given you some version of this advice? Yeah, probably, but we all need a reminder once in a while.

—XO Katelyn

Katelyn Young is a local mom of three (her #crumblycrew) who shares real moments of motherhood as it relates to fashion, food and fun! Follow her on Instagram @_katelynyoung_ or follow her blog at thebejuledlife.com.