No More FOMO

Why do people tend to get stressed out over the holidays?  This holiday season has honestly been one of the most enjoyable ones to date, and it makes me sad when I see and hear my friends bemoaning the season. I used to get extra tired and busy over the holidays, but so many things have changed this year.  Some are physical changes that were either inevitable or intentional. See below:

1.  I no longer work in a 9-5 type job and have much more flexibility over how I spend my time (this is huge) 
2. My kids are not babies anymore 
3. I don't live close to the majority of my family, thus eliminating a lot of expectations (of course I still miss my family)

Some changes I made this year were very intentional emotional mindset changes.  See below:

1. I said "NO" to "FOMO" (fear of missing out)
2. I said to myself that I'd only do something over the holidays if it was restorative, enjoyable, and good for my family. 
3. We decided on an amount that we wanted to spend on Christmas, saved for it all year, and stuck to our budget

Now, I know the holidays are unspeakably difficult for some because they have lost someone, are in a season of depression, of loss, of divorce.  I'm not talking about that flavor of holiday burden. I'm talking about the family drama, the expectations, the packed schedules, and panic over money.  Based on my own experience, I'm starting to believe that this type of holiday stress is a choice.  Here's a personal example that really brought his realization full circle.

I had a magical idea of how our Santa visit would go.  We went to Breckenridge the first week of December.  If you haven't been to Breck (as the locals call it) it's basically a real life snow globe.  In fact, the weekend we were scheduled to be there, the lighting of Breckenridge was happening, complete with a parade of Burmese mountain dogs escorting Santa to his holiday throne in all it's glory.  Perfect.  We went on a sleigh ride through the mountains and headed to see Santa.  Other families had the same idea.  By the time we made it to his station (after walking a mile in near sub zero temps with both kids) the kids were freezing, tired, whiny, and hungry.  Not a magical experience at all.  After waiting for about 20 minutes, we decided to forget it and go eat.  Fast forward to two weeks later.  The kiddos had spent the night with their aunt and uncle and we took them to Bass Pro after we picked them up in the morning.  When we arrived there were signs all over the store, "No more Santa Passes."  We were 0 for 2 in the Santa department.  I texted a couple of my friends: "We are having a Santa emergency!  Is Nick on the Bricks any good?  Any good places in Boulder?" 

 One of my dear, sweet, wise friends surprised me: "Well, we actually haven't seen Santa since we moved here 2 years ago."  

Other friend: "How'd you manage that?"

Wise, sweet friend, "We just told them the truth about Santa.  It was no big deal.  Takes the pressure off of us and keeps the focus on Jesus."

I don't think we are ready to kill the magic of Santa, but it made me stop dead in my tracks.  I don't have to get caught up in all the things you are supposed to do during the holidays.   It's all a choice. Tim and I decided right then, to forget the Santa visit that day yet again, and to not make a big deal of it.  If we went traipsing all over Boulder county hoping to find Santa, the experience was more likely to be stressful instead of fun.  So that was that.  We decided we'd try again when we had a better plan, but if that didn't work out, no big deal.

We still have one week to go, but we've made it this far and have savored and enjoyed this season.  The biggest thing I'll have to watch is my strong urge overcommit myself as far as baked goods are concerned.  Yes, this is a first world problem, but the struggle is real.  I love baking and cooking over the holidays, but it never fails; the 2 dishes I committed to bringing turns into 8 and I end up with a backache and an upset stomach!  I am determined to stick to my 3 dish commitment this year!  Y'all will have to hold me accountable.  I am not strong enough! 

Here's a little proof of what we've been up to this year over the holidays.

Savannah's sleepover

We did had a snow day last week (first one for BVSD in three years!) and did lots of relaxing and crafting

Cookies!

I think it's important to not only take care of my family, but to take care of myself.  Hence the pedicure and books! :)

My book selection for Christmas break

Kimmy (my sort of sister in law) helping Kelly put the fudge on their Mint Chocolate Brownie Pie.  Google ads think we may be at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Awww yea.

We had to have festive fingernails

We celebrated the holidays and a birthday with this dear neighbor friend.  That is a 6 layer cake with 7 sticks of butter my friend. 

Taking the time to love on my furry friends.  Trying to get in lots of walks and outdoor time when it's not snowing. 

This is my CO family (bro and sis in law + babes) and their parents/in laws having dinner with us...AKA "Project Braverman."  THE BEST.

Savannah and her friend Hannah at her school Holiday Hot Chocolate Party

The hot chocolate of dreams

Before Santa

Santa evidence!

I love to try and have kiddos over every year to make Christmas cookies.  Caleb got to have people over last weekend for cookies and Savannah got to have a sleepover.  Here is a fun shot from the cookie party