KISS- Keep it Simple Stupid

Some of you may have heard the acronym KISS, and while we can do without the Stupid part at the end, it does serve as a way to keep top of mind an important concept, especially this time of year.  And that is, it's a great season to remind ourselves to keep things simple.  

The holidays are rife with opportunity for stress, and complicating things.  We often make things more stressful by procrastinating shopping, or thinking we have to do more than what is really needed to make for a nice holiday celebration.

Does the house really have to be clean within an inch of its life?  Does every present have to be neatly wrapped in perfect holiday paper?  Do we really need ten side dishes at dinner when three will do fine?

It is a great time to re evaluate what matters, including keeping your stress at a manageable level.  

So many Christmases I can recall my children, when they were young, playing with the box that a toy came in.  Roughhousing and playing games together mattered so much more than insisting that the tree needed more lights or that we buy "all the right toys."

In the end, creating holiday celebrations that are warm, inviting, where everyone is present, and spending time with those you love is what matters and creates the most lasting memories. When we step back and realize that often the "expectations" are just swirling in our own mind.  We don't have to act on everything that we tell ourself we "have to do."

What are some ways you can keep it more simple this year?

Here are some of our ideas:

• Scale down the Menu- This is one place where you can exert the most control or influence, which is if you are hosting, scale down the menu.  More important than having a full buffet of food, is that you get to sit and enjoy the food and the company as well while it's hot.  If that means a few less side dishes, so be it.

• Ask for Help- Many people, women in particular think they have to do it all, when in fact, when we ask for help we give others the opportunity to serve as well.  Whether you talk to your partner and or kiddos in advance of the big holiday celebration(s), asking for help is a great way to reduce your stress all around.

• Be Open Minded and Willing to have someone take over an area. In the past, maybe you've loved making the ham and all the side dishes, but your brother-in-law has offered to make the ham. Great- let him. That gives you less to do and more time to focus on the other foods and spending time with people.

• Consider a Different Buy for List.  Instead of all the adults buying presents, have every one save money by only buying for the kids in the family.  This is a great way to cut down on expenses, and not break the bank while ensuring that all the kids in the family have a nice Christmas or Hannukah.

  
  

In the end, communication with your partner and any children that are old enough to appreciate the idea of scaling down to do and have less, in order to enjoy the celebrations more, is a great chat to have.  it sure beats working yourself into exhaustion and breaking the bank.

Hoping your holidays are fun, festive and are filled with fewer stressful moments.  Breathe deeply and enjoy every minute.