Holiday Hint: Just enough and only just enough

"Kim Leatherdale has been kind enough to let me share a post of hers with you. 

Enjoy your holidays!!"

- Elaine



J is for “Just enough.”

Do “just enough” to make the Holidays what you want them to be - meaningful and enjoyable for you and your family.

Keep from making the Holidays complicated.  Learn to say “No” gently but firmly if you are asked to add things.  Don't add anything that isn't meaningful or enjoyable to you and yours.  Learn to say “Help” just as firmly but gently.  Remember enlisting help is an important skill.

Simplify your gift giving.  It is really true one meaningful gift can say more than three expensive thoughtless ones.  My family does Secret Santa so we each only buy for one person and we can focus on that person.

Have just enough decorations.  Don't go nuts on decorating - make things meaningful and beautiful to you.  As a child I loved the light-up soldier that went in the yard.  I didn't need the whole house outlined in lights; I just wanted the soldier guarding our driveway. 

Simplify your food.  Have fewer tastier dishes (just enough) at your dinner rather than a massive feast with tons of leftovers.  If someone wants you to add dishes, suggest they bring those things on the day of celebration.  Give them the gift of the recipe and encourage them to learn how to make it.  Remind them they can then have the dish anytime of the year.

Participate in just enough events.  Don't do things you don't enjoy - parties, visiting, events.  Be truly involved in the things you do because you'll have energy for them. 

Make your Holidays be about just enough so you can feel the true joy of the season.  If you are doing just enough all the positives of the season have just enough space to join you.  Make that space in your life.

Visit Kim's blog at Creating Rewarding Relationships