Simplify Your Holidays for a Humane, Happier Season

It's the holiday season. Which of these better describes your state of mind: joyous, meaningful, balanced?; or, exhausted, stressed, conflicted?

The winter holidays have gained a reputation for reaching the epitome of the "overs": overspending, overbooking, overstressing, overconsuming. And more people are expressing a desire to simplify their holidays and bring more balance, joy and meaning to their festivities.

If you want to slow down and simplify, start by considering what you want out of the holidays. What's most important to you? What do you want to be the focus of your time and attention? What are you already doing that brings you joy and fulfillment? Discuss your needs with your family and friends and together create the kind of holiday that is memorable, meaningful and merry for everyone.

Take time to examine each aspect of your holiday traditions and to-dos. Ask yourself questions, such as:

• Will this bring joy and meaning to my life?
  
• What true need or authentic want does this activity/product fulfill, and is there a way to do it that does more good and less harm? How can my family and I meet this need/want in a creative, compassionate, sustainable way?
• What's the impact of this choice on myself? Other people? Animals? The earth?
• What do others really need/want from me, and how can I meet that need in a MOGO way?

There are numerous resources available to help you transition to a simpler season. For example:

• Check out our Gift Guide for Happier, Humane Holidays.
  
• Take advantage of the Center for a New American Dream's Simplify the Holidays suggestions, which offer a variety of ideas. They also have a free, downloadable (PDF) booklet, Simplify the Holidays, which provides additional tips and suggestions (free registration required first).
• Skim books such as Hundred Dollar Holiday by Bill McKibben and Unplug the Christmas Machine by Jo Robinson for ideas and insights.

~ Marsha


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