I’ve been so busy the last few months, I haven’t given my usual thoughts to holiday planning. And here Christmas is two weeks away, and I haven’t got my shopping done, but I do have my tree up as of yesterday, so that’s off my list. I’ve enjoyed life being busier with my businesses expanding, but I have lacked time for myself. My husband is so great about reminding me to take time for myself. And sometimes I do. And sometimes, I don’t, even though I know I should. And this time of year is hectic, so something’s gotta give! Instead that ‘something’ being my free time, money I don’t have and my last nerve, maybe it’s the expectations that have to be reined in.

When it comes to the holidays, well, I used to try to give my family the whole Hallmark Christmas experience. The house and tree decorated merrily, baking for weeks beforehand in order to have a wide selection of goodies available, the thoughtfully purchased or handmade gifts, all meticulously wrapped and so on. Don’t get me wrong, these things are great if you have the time and inclination to do so, but if you don’t, then I’m giving you permission right now to just chill and do the basics that you feel you can accomplish. Sure, you want your family to enjoy a lovely holiday, but at what cost to you and your health? Some of the best holidays I remember were about being together, having a great time socializing and laughing, and not a lot of focus on the material aspects of the day. I realized that a Christmas dinner of turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes with one other side plus some brown ‘n serve buns and a pie was just as well received as one that included two meats, 6-7 sides and 6-7 dessert choices plus trays of squares and cookies. It’s a lot less work for me, which I appreciate, and people still leave the house stuffed and happy.

This holiday season, cut yourself a break. You don’t have to make it a Hallmark Christmas for everyone. It’s okay to scale back on the time you spend shopping and preparing, and it’s okay to scale back the money you spend because it’s not great for your mental health and stress levels to worry about how you’ll pay your debts in January if you overspend in December. Do what you can reasonably afford moneywise and timewise, and do it without the guilt. It’s your company and time spent with others that will be remembered more than trays of goodies and your overspending on gifts. It can be a lovely Christmas if you shift the focus to quality time with family and friends, instead of it being a time of self-sacrifice and stress!