Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year – a chance to spend time with family and friends and express gratitude for the richness of our everyday lives. It is also the kick-off to the end-of-year holiday season, which often spells S-T-R-E-S-S for me.
This year, however, I have committed to a simpler close to 2013, focused more on meaning than magnitude. We’ve trimmed down our Thanksgiving menu, let go of the “have to invites,” and given more thought to the kind of day we want to create for our family. My husband and I are talking now about what a simpler Christmas holiday looks like also – we’re thinking of more meaningful gifts rather than buying a stack of gift cards and enduring exhausting trips to the overcrowded mall; making easy yet festive decorations (found some great ideas online); and having a casual open house for family, friends, and neighbors to stop by rather than planning a more formal big bash. These things help me to remember what the holidays mean to me – a time to relax, enjoy, and spend time with the people I care most about.
When I let go of trying to outdo myself and making each holiday season bigger and better, I create the space and clarity to rediscover what’s really important about this time of year. And what’s more meaningful than that?
Where in your work or home life can you return to meaning rather than magnitude?
Please leave a comment.
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For help in creating more meaning, contact Robyn at rmcleod@chatsworthconsulting.com.
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