Dear Holidays: We need to talk.

Can I be real for a minute?  I love the winter holidays.  I love the traditions, the music, the decorations, the food, the drinks, the games…I am here for it all.  But as I get older, my relationship with the holidays is getting a bit complicated.  What used to be a season of joy and magic is slowly evolving into one of stress.  I mean, I used to worry about being on the nice list, but now it's all about my ever-growing holiday “to-do list.” 
While making holiday magic happen within my four walls and for my extended family, my husband and I are still both working full time, raising two active kids, and managing a household just like every other month of the year.  Adding cookie exchanges, Secret Santa, and the plethora of awkward obligatory gift giving events this season leaves me feeling depleted and frantic.
I want a slower December this year.  I want to linger with family and friends and enjoy their company.  I want my gift giving and receiving to be intentional and not just about stuff.  I want to normalize regifting unwanted gifts at white elephant exchanges post holidays! I want an ugly sweater party in February, because hey, it’s still cold in February. As an organizer I’m always looking for ways to wear those cute holiday shirts more than once a year!  I want a cookie exchange in March when I’ve forgotten my New Year’s Resolution to eat less sweets.
Holidays I love you, but I’m changing the game this year.  Less consumerism and more connection.  Less obligation and more celebration.  To my clients and followers, I invite you to try the same.