Let’s talk about what we’re not doing for the holidays

I had had this idea of asking you all what you were making this year. But the danger in those kind of discussions is sometimes a comparisonfest can break out. I want to celebrate people doing what works for them rather than feeling like there’s something more they should be doing.

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Instead, I’m asking a different question: how are you cutting yourself some slack this holiday season?

Please share in the comments!

Microblog_Mondays

Microblog Mondays: Don’t overthink it. Just write something. And then read Stirrup Queens.

Stop DIY Guilt!

Here we are: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Or is it the Most Complicated Time of the Year? Most hectic? Most filled-with-impossibly-high-expectations? All of the above?

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This year, our family decided to focus on simplicity. There’s a lot we’re not doing this year. And part of me wants to feel guilty about that.

As we’ve worked to scale back, I’ve realized that simple is relative.

What you just whip up might be a challenge for me (and vice versa). What was no problem last year might be hard to work in this year.

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As much as I believe in homemade goodness and love sharing ways to be creative and add a personal touch (there’s a reason I started a craft blog – even if it’s a travel blog too), it’s okay to not make something from scratch. It makes me sad how much we beat ourselves up when we don’t go the 100% DIY route. And judge others when they do.

Here’s the thing: make the cake yourself or use the cake mix or buy the cake or skip the cake. This is not a moral issue. Go with what works for you. Make what makes you smile. Try not to stress and not to judge.

Still feeling guilty? I’ll write you a permission slip. Just write your name in the blank.

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You’re welcome. Have a simply wonderful holiday season!