10 Things I'm Unapologetically Skipping This Holiday Season
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'Tis the season of giving, cheer, mistletoe, eggnog, snow days, presents, carols, parties, and so much more. My kids love Christmas, and hey, can you really blame them? I would love it too if someone else was making everything magical for me. But sadly, I'm both Santa and his many elves, and that means I have to do a whole lot of buying, budgeting, and wrapping. And if that isn't enough, there are parties at school, parties at work, and parties with family and friends. Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely grateful to be able to spend the holidays with people I love and care about, but it's also so. freaking. exhausting.
In an effort to dodge some of the stress, I've made a little list of my own of things I can do without this year, which I'll proudly check twice. My list is all about preserving self-care during this hectic time of year, and I feel really good about it. So, without further adieu, keep reading for 10 things I'm unapologetically skipping this year. "Santa" completely understands.
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Secret Santa Gift Exchanges
This Grinch is just saying no to any and all Secret Santa gift exchanges. The secret is always revealed too soon and the present is undoubtedly socks or hand lotion. Yes, it's a fun holiday tradition for some, but this year, I'm going to kick my feet up and skip the last-minute trip to Starbucks for the mug and gift card.
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School Parties
I will not succumb to the pressure from either my kids or the classroom parent to offer my services as the craft coordinator for the third grade holiday party. Not this year.
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Elf on the Shelf
Hell to the no. Why? Because the last thing I need in my life is one more thing to do after the kids fall asleep but before they wake up. This is one tradition I can't get behind, and besides, the kids are fully aware that Santa delivers presents regardless of what this sneaky little Elf witnesses. They don't fear the elf, and therefore the elf is useless to this busy mom.
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Teacher Gifts
I know, I know, not giving teacher gifts qualifies me as a bad parent, but hold your judgment for a second. How great will it be for the teachers to return to school in January and receive an unexpected New Year's present? They'll be surprised to have yet another gift to open, and me, well, I bought myself a little extra time and sanity during the crazy Christmas insanity. It is a win-win!
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Candy Canes
Candy canes are the Peeps of Christmas. Sure, they're kind of a holiday staple, but really, no one ever eats them, they get stale, and they end up hung on your tree in an awkward spot. Not this year. My guess? No one will even notice.
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Overspending
I love being Santa so much that I always go a little overboard with the presents. I want to make Christmas the most magical day ever for my kids, and this results in some very poor financial decisions. I wake up on December 26 with an emotional hangover as I check my account balances and wrestle with the post-spending guilt for weeks to come. I'm reminding myself that the holiday is about so much more than the wrapped boxes under the tree. Memories speak louder than toys.
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Dieting
There's a time and place for everything, and the holidays just aren't when you should skip treats. I won't feel guilty about overindulging in eggnog, gingersnaps, and peppermint bark. It's a huge part of what makes the holidays fun!
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New Year's Resolutions
I've been drinking the New Year's resolution Kool-Aid for 40 years, and let me tell you, the only thing that comes from this pressure-filled tradition is disappointment. New year, same old me, and I'm absolutely OK with that.
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Milk and Cookies
I know it sounds cruel to proudly exclaim that I'm doing away the most quintessential Christmas tradition of all, but hear me out. I'm simply upgrading to cheesecake and coffee because, well, I'm Santa, and in my house, after the stockings are filled by the chimney with care and the presents are piled under the tree, this Santa wants some delicious cheesecake.
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Doing It All
After countless years of taking on too much and trying to do it all, I'm finally making a conscious decision to put self-care first so I can be the best me and be fully present. Sometimes, self-care is a big slice of cheesecake and an early bedtime. May your holidays be filled with balance, boundaries, and lots of love.