By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

It can be, but it can also be a time of great stress, anxiety, and even loneliness.

If you believe what TV and media tells you that the perfect holiday season is:

  • Families and friends gathered around the table.
  • A home filled with laughter.
  • A house is perfectly decorated.

But what if you don’t have all of that?

Many of you may be feeling that right now, with the Covid restrictions that are imposed upon us.

  • Many will not be with loved ones this year.
  • Many parties have been canceled or postponed.
  • Many have decided not to decorate or celebrate traditions this year.

There’s a sense that the holiday can’t be a holiday without all these trappings and traditions.

But is that really true?

For sure, the holidays will be different for all of us this year, but in many ways, the pandemic has:

  • Caused us to slow down, given us time to reflect on what matters most and what doesn’t.
  • Allowed us to appreciate more of what we do have and focus less on what we don’t have.
  • Helped us to realize, we don’t really need all of those things to have a wonderful holiday.

That, in itself, is a gift!

There’s less pressure to fill our carts and empty our wallets just trying to keep up with the vision for what a perfect holiday “should” look like.

Instead of spending time, money, and energy on shopping for things you may not want or might never use and instead of feeling burned out or burdened by the holiday season, why not simplify your life by letting go of what “should” and what “has to be” that is imposed by others?

  • Be okay with shopping less… or not at all.
  • Be okay with not having a perfectly decorated home… or perfectly wrapped presents.
  • Be okay with small family gatherings… even if they have to be on zoom.

 

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Discover the joy of giving without spending

by building a simpler holiday around ONLY what matters most to you!

 

#1 What are the traditions that are most meaningful to you?

  • A Christmas tree with white lights?
  • A family hike on your favorite trail?
  • Baking Christmas cookies while listening to your favorite holiday music?
  • Watching a holiday movie together?

 

#2 What meaningful gifts can you give that will be remembered for years to come?

  • A handwritten letter saying how much that person means to you?
  • A personalized video with memories of special times together?
  • A handmade gift that only you can make?

 

#3 What new experiences can you create that will make new memories?

  • A family zoom cookoff?
  • An afternoon of ice skating or sledding?
  • A holiday dinner date on Zoom?

 

#4 What can you declutter and “gift” to someone in need this year?

  • Declutter duplicates or triplicates from your pantry?
  • Declutter your attic or storage unit for unused furniture?
  • Declutter your closet for unused clothing?

 

These are just a few ways for you to simplify your life, create less stress, and design your OWN perfect holiday season this year!

RITA WILKINS
THE DOWNSIZING DESIGNER

rwilkins@designservicesltd.com

If you need interior design assistance please reach out to me to discuss your project.

I offer a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation.

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