Simplifying the Holidays

The holidays are about GIVING to the ones you love. 
Giving your time and attention, not your wallet. 

The holidays are upon us and can be quite overwhelming if you just follow the masses.  The masses (of people) are most likely spending their time at malls shopping or buying all the things online for family and friends. 

I was convinced that this was the only way to show others that you cared about them during the holiday season.  I grew up receiving tons of gifts as a kid and just assumed that's the way it was.  Adults go into debt buying gifts for their family and the kids stay "happy" as they tear open all the presents, one by one.  THIS SOUNDS RIDICULOUS. 

I honestly can't remember one material gift from past holidays as a kid that brought true meaning to my life.  I do however remember the traditions and experiences we had.  I remember baking cookies with my grandmother, getting the Christmas tree from our local tree farm, attending family Christmas Eve parties and the anticipation of waiting for Santa to visit our house.  None of these favorite memories of mine involved actually opening up a present.  Funny, right?! 

We think gifts make people happy, but how many gifts do you remember getting that truly left a long-lasting positive imprint on your life? 

The answer is none for me.  It was all EXPERIENCES. 

Simplify your holidays by giving your time and attention to the ones you love. 

It's never to late to change your holiday traditions.  Make it a priority to plan a mixture of small and large trips with loved ones.  Whether it's a trip to have a cup of coffee with your mother or a weekend camping trip with your kids. 

Experiences are what make meaningful memories, not stuff. 


                   Always craving health + happiness, 
                                               Jillian