Make “Less is More” Your Holiday Mantra

Dear Nonna,

Here’s my main message to you: Strive to exchange perfection for good enough! Now, let’s unpack this idea.

I know what you’re thinking. “Good enough doesn’t measure up to my desire to control the situation and make everything exactly right.” Believe me, I feel your pain. I too want holidays to be memorable. With a combined family of six children and spouses, 19 grands, and 11 great-grands, Christmas can be overwhelming. This year, after having a hip replaced, I’m really practicing what I preach by cutting back on gift giving - more checks and gift cards, less wrapped gifts. 

Consider joining me in taking author Roy T. Bennett’s quote to heart. “More smiling, less worrying. More compassion, less judgment. More blessed, less stressed. More love, less hate.”

To determine what you can let go of to feel less stress, ask yourself questions like, “Do I really need to make Aunt Susie’s rum balls, have a giant tree, or make The Feast of the Seven Fishes? Who will I disappoint if I don’t?”

Accept the reality of not pleasing everyone so you can take care of yourself during this busy time. Loosen your attachment to an idealized past and create a good enough holiday.

You will thank you and so will your children and grandchildren when you’re present for them and not a stress-out mess! And, for goodness sake, let go of the competition with your daughter-in-law’s mother. Be the grandma who takes time to read the Christmas book to her granddaughter rather than the one in the kitchen slaving over the perfect feast.