If you’re a holiday person, you are IN IT and have been since November 1st! If you’re not, this might be the time of year where it gets harder to ignore the increasing spirit of the season around you. 🎄
1. Be aware of what is being sold to you:
It can’t be just us that feels overwhelmed by the amount of consumerism that has taken over every holiday. We’re all for celebrating the season in whatever way feels right to you – get your new decor! But DO be aware of what is being sold to you and how clever those selling it can be.
In the world of TikTok and Instagram reels, it seems like there’s a new product dropping every day that is ‘life changing’ and will fix every problem you have in your life. And for a second – that really seems like it could be true.
Our advice to you: Head into the 4th quarter of the year armed with the question “what are you selling me?” If we can start looking at the information we consume online with a more critical lens, we can often spot situations where we might be duped into purchasing something based on an emotional decision, or a promise to fix our lives in some way.
Our second piece of advice: Make a list of purchases that you’d like to make early on. You’ll be less swayed by a flashy TikTok if you’ve already made an intentional decision to invest your hard earned money elsewhere.
Financial pressure and stress is a driving factor of our mental wellbeing, and there’s nothing wrong with being more resourceful with your funds.
2. Ask for help early:
You may LOVE to host during the holidays, or perhaps it’s simply become a tradition that you can’t outrun. Regardless, you’ve been through it before. You run yourself ragged doing everything for everyone and end up feeling resentful and unappreciated by those you love the most.
This year really can be different, if you consciously choose to make it happen. Instead of spending the holidays wishing that everyone noticed how much effort you put in to make it special for everyone else, ask the people closest to you to carry the weight and invite them in. That big meal you always cook? Ask your sister to come early to prepare the dishes with you. The gifts you plan on making or purchasing for everyone? Talk to your partner about your plans ahead of time and ask what they can take off your plate.
And if’s really not possible to ask for help, it’s time to ask yourself this question: what can I reasonably do for others during this season without feeling overextended in the process? You want to give out of abundance, not obligation. If that means doing less, then that’s what this year is.
And that leads us into our last tip!
3. Experience a richer season with less:
Yes, we are saying that it’s possible to actually embrace more of the spirit of this season by doing AND spending less. With the increase in cost of living, rent prices soaring and your pay cheque barely keeping up – if there was a year to do less, this is it.
The thing is that when we don’t pack our schedules to the brim, or clear out our bank accounts just to keep up with the expectations of what this season should be, something magical happens. We create space and resources to enjoy the moments that have been right in front of us all along.
Instead of saying yes to every holiday activity, experience the joy of watching a film with a warm cup of tea while the snow falls outside. Instead of painstakingly ensuring every detail is perfect at the annual holiday party, experience catching up with loved ones in real time and making memories that will last a lifetime. Instead of putting yourself into debt or cashing out on your savings, experience the joy of being present in your life and putting your own mental health first.
If these tips were helpful for you, be sure to share this article!
Happy 2025 Holiday Season!