Co-create the holidays.
Tip # 11 for the holiday season: Co-create the holidays.
Do you get caught up trying to make the holidays magical all by yourself? Do you work so hard at making the holidays wonderful for everyone else that you end up being too stressed, tired, or busy to actually enjoy them? It’s time to delegate and collaborate! It might not turn out to be your exact vision but the beauty will come from the collective effort. Tell people how they can help. Many people are happy to help they’re just not sure how. Let people know what to expect ahead of time. If people are so used to you doing all of the heavy lifting that they are not willing to help out, then decide how much is realistic for you to do without sacrificing any holiday cheer for yourself. After all, connection is the point, not the perfect pie or the prettiest decorations.
Co-creation ideas from the Calm team:
Jade: ‘Bring a dish’ dinner: if you have family and/or friends coming together on the holidays, why not all turn up with one dish so you can all focus on enjoying each other’s company?
Christi-an: Last year, a friend planned a beautiful menu and sent each guest one recipe to prepare for the meal. It was so much fun to make the gift she “assigned” and she had the pleasure of hosting the dinner she wanted to. I plan to try something similar myself.
Henderson: As I transitioned into motherhood, I realized how easy it is to take on all the holiday planning myself. In the process, I missed out on being able to savor the season myself. While I still “coordinate” the preparation and effort, I try to ask for help with the bits and pieces to pull everything together. Other family members and even my little ones really enjoy being a part of the preparation and not just participating.
