jdurham/Morguefile
DCL
It's already begun. The television commercials with those images of perfectly coordinated Thanksgiving tables, store displays of all of that shiny, glittering decor that is supposed to make our homes appear more festive. At the heart of it all is the message that the more we spend, and the more we do, the happier our families will be this holiday season, and the more fulfilled we'll feel.
What a crock.
The holidays are the most stressful time of the year for many of us, and it's precisely this fixation on "more, more, more" that makes it so. What should be a joyous time spent with friends and family becomes a mad dash to cook the perfect dinner, throw the perfect party, and buy greater numbers of ever more expensive gifts for everyone from your kids to your mail carrier.
It doesn't have to be this way. It's time to take back the holiday season. Start your own traditions, and make memories of the fun you had rather than all of the shopping you did. Focus on living more deliberately this holiday season; making real choices about how you are going to spend your time and resources. Rather than getting caught up in the shopping frenzy, make eco-conscious choices whenever possible. It's not about giving up those holiday traditions, it's about making them better! Here are a few ideas:
1. Take it slow. And we mean "slow" in every possible way. Cook a few things you really love, rather than a whole huge meal that you stress over (or, don't cook at all, if that's not your thing).
2. Plan ahead, as much as possible. You'll save yourself a lot of stress and avoid making last minute "panic" purchases. Decide ahead of time what gifts you'll buy for certain people so you won't be swayed by swanky store displays. Plan out your menus ahead of time so you have plenty of time to order that heritage turkey or test out that recipe for vegan cheesecake.
3. Think deeply about what, if any gifts, you are going to exchange. One meaningful, thoughtful gift means a lot more than a pile of impersonal ones.
4. Don't try to hit every holiday party you're invited to. Take the time to decide which ones you'll enjoy the most, and attend those. The idea is to make deliberate choices about how you are going to spend your time.
5. Don't focus on "stuff." That pile of toys you bought your kids last year? My guess is that most of it hasn't been played with since January. It's hard to avoid the temptation to buy the "in" toy or game, but these are fads that won't make it from one December to the next. Those stylish, flashy new holiday decorations at the stores? I'd rather have the mismatched ornaments we've collected over the years.
6. If you're crafty, make gifts and decorations rather than buying them. You can use inexpensive items, or items from nature. If you're not crafty, don't worry about trying to go all Martha Stewart on your Thanksgiving table. It's okay. 7. Keep your favorite traditions. You say you celebrate Christmas, or Hannukah, or Kwanzaa the way you do because "that's the way my family's always done it." Choose the parts of the tradition that you love, that have meaning for you. Do away with the rest, and replace it with new traditions. 8. Focus on making memories rather than fulfilling the idea of "the perfect holiday." The perfect holiday is the one that is spent with the people you love, relaxing and enjoying each other's company. Anything else is extra, and you can decide to do away with any or all of it. It's up to you. 9. Take the stress and waste out of your holidays. Slow it down, make it personal. Start a new tradition or two. You'll look back on the season with fond memories and a true sense of accomplishment. How are you going to simplify your holiday season? Learn About Eco Friendly Thanksgiving Tips from Emeril's Experts (Video) Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Have a Slow Holiday New Holiday Traditions
