Every year we wait anxiously for this time of year. We all can't wait to have the holiday cookies, see family and friends, go shopping, and receive presents. Although all these things are great components to the holidays, I think many people in this generation are forgetting the roots of this season. To me, it seems as if many people are often more excited for the holiday season to come but aren't as joyful when it actually is here. Maybe I am wrong, but I know this happens to me frequently. It seems like I am so eager to begin decorating, gift shopping, and cookie decorating that I build high expectations for what is actually supposed to happen. And then, Christmas break rolls around and I am left feeling unsatisfied. I am sure it has happened to you at least once. And to me, I feel like the reason is we are missing out on what truly matters at this special time of year. We are all about the season of "receiving" and getting the best Christmas gifts that we see on TV commercials, but we forget about the true meaning of the holidays. Giving gifts, volunteering, and spending quality time with your family is so under-rated these days and I feel like we need to get back to these holiday origins. After thinking about this for quite a few weeks, I thought of 5 easy ways to have a happier holiday season:
1) Don't make your "normal" Christmas list.
Instead of filling up a notepad or a word-document with Yeezy's, the newest GoPro, or some Michael Kors Purse you really are craving, maybe think more logical. Maybe ask for things that aren't are expensive, but more necessary. OR MAYBE, if you are feeling really crazy, don't even make a Christmas list and just see what people come up with for you. I promise it feels 100 times better to get a thoughtful gift than just everything you asked for.
2) Adopt a family or a solider.
There are so many people who don't have the money, or the time to spend on buying elaborate gifts for their family. So instead of spending all of your Christmas money on your family, maybe dedicate $100 of it to adopting a family. Giving back feels just as good, or maybe even better, than receiving.
3) Shop mindfully.
Now, when I say shop mindfully, I mean it. Stop buying everything in the store. Just because you cannot decide what to get your boyfriend or your mom this year doesn't mean they need ten different presents. Think about the quality of the gift, and the thought you are putting into it, not quantity.
4) Don't over-schedule yourself.
I know everyone always comes home from college for Christmas, and families that live out of town are here, but DO NOT over-schedule yourself. It is important to make time to see everyone, but it is also import to relax. Don't forget about treating yourself to a relaxing holiday also.
5) Disconnect from social media.
Finally, I feel like this is the most under-rated of all the tips but the most important. Everyone is SO glued to their phones these days and has to let EVERYONE know what they are doing, that they are having a good time, that they are in Florida, etc. I am guilty of this to, trust me. But honestly, this is so pointless. Don't get me wrong, it is important to take pictures and capture memories, but stay away from texting for a few hours. When you sit down and watch a movie with your family, actually watch it. Spend quality time with your loved ones this holiday season and forget about the rest of the world. I promise it will feel good, and you will see a difference.
