Good morning, fam.
Today, I just wanted to remind you that you are under no obligation to stay stressed out this holiday season.
And yes, I see you looking at me like I’ve sprouted a second head, but bear with me, okay?
I get it. The pressure of the holiday seasons is phenomenal. Starting with Halloween and all the way to New Year’s Eve, it’s an all-out financial and hair-pulling affair.
You want to do well by your loved ones, but you also don’t want to walk into the new year with more unwanted debt.
You want to do all the things, but you know that the holiday cheer you’re attempting to manifest isn’t going to make its way back to you.
You don’t want to some of the things, but you also don’t want the drama that will come with skipping out. Especially with family stuff.
I’m here to tell you that as an adult, you have options. Real options.
Take the parts of the holiday season you want. Throw out the rest.
Now, I know this isn’t going to be easy. Whether your obstacle is your origin family, partner(s), kids or even friends, navigating this change can be incredibly difficult. But here’s the thing:
Your sanity is worth the conversation.
And here’s the other thing:
If they cannot respect your request, they do not deserve your efforts or presence.
But that conversation is important, so have it.
Create a holiday experience doesn’t leave you exhausted or broke.
What can that look like?
For us, that turned into Yulsticemas.
Running from Yule to Christmas, this family-centric holiday celebration is super low-key.
On Yule, we eat homemade Korean food and open a present each.
Every day before Christmas Day, we open one present.
Christmas morning, I make biscuits and gravy, eggs and corned beef hash. We open stockings, eat breakfast and then open the rest of the presents. Then relaxing while I make whatever dinner is going to be (this year we’re doing homemade pizzas).
Typically, all total, each family member gets 5 presents throughout the holiday and all gifts from extended families are opened Christmas Day. Stockings have candy, gift cards and little presents. And everyone is happy.
Low stress, low financial burden. Everyone is ready to wander into the new year with presents they really want and full bellies (and soooo many leftovers!).
So yeah, you can do this. May take a few years of tweaking to get it right, but I promise it’ll be worth it.
You got this.
More importantly, you deserve this.
Love,
Your Mom