My plum pudding just arrived…from Amazon. No, I will not be baking. Somewhere in the toddler-walking stage of my small business growth, I let go of all things SHOULD and that includes a long list formerly written in calligraphy for Holiday To Dos. I still have lots of sweet traditions and decor that lights me up when I open it up every December but I’m noticeably happier during the holiday season when my to do list is short and sweet.
I like painting holiday things that inspire me in that moment. (Vs. planning in advance like i’m “supposed to” in the greeting card industry. I just can’t paint Christmas trees in April!!!)
I really love egg nog lattes and have no problem considering that a meal.
Putting a festive ribbon on any stuffed animal really jazzes the Christmas spirit up. (Ok, this just revealed that I might have a menagerie lying around….)
Oranges are your decorating friend. Two big bags of clementines just about anywhere looks like Martha did it herself.
Shop for goodies. You don’t have to do it yourself. Supporting bakeries is shopping local!
Send holiday cards…if the spirit strikes you. Obligatory tasks are the worst. I love receiving a chatty note after Christmas. I know the sender had more time and didn’t feel rushed.
Drive around and look at the lights. This gets me every year no matter where I am. There is something so sweet and magical about driving through a town or neighbourhood all lit up. It really is the little things.
Cook or bake the things that YOU like to make! I love making seafood chowder and it’s a family tradition so I’m all in. But I’m not great at doing the massive Christmas dinner anymore so i either ask for help or delegate dishes.
Gatherings. I think we’re all still in the less is more stage…?
I didn’t intend on this being a How to Enjoy the Holidays Without Leaving the Couch list but it struck me that I’m feeling quite relaxed and not worried about all the holiday things that haven’t been done. I’ll call it the gift of the long pandemic winter…the ability to just do what we can do and be happy about it. Hey, I’ve got a candle burning on a snowy afternoon and I’m feeling downright festive!
Wherever you are, I hope your list is short and sweet and feels just right for you. And if you haven’t tried an egg nog latte, I highly recommend it! Holiday cheer in a cup. xo