The Joys of a Low-Key Christmas

Letting go of guilt and embracing the simple things

It's that time of year again - Christmas is upon us, and with it comes a lot of pressure to have the "perfect" Christmas. But what does that even mean? And why do we feel like we have to live up to these expectations?

First of all, it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of the perfect Christmas. Some people might envision a big, festive celebration with lots of family and friends, while others might prefer a more low-key and intimate festive holiday. And that's okay! It's important to do what feels right for you and your loved ones, not what society or social media tells you is the "right" way to celebrate.

If you're feeling guilty about having a low-key Christmas, it might be helpful to remind yourself of a few things:

1. It's okay to take a break. Christmas can be stressful and overwhelming, and it's important to prioritise your own well-being. If you need to relax and recharge, it's okay to dial back the festivities and do something that feels more manageable for you.
2. Quality time is more important than quantity. It's easy to get caught up in the idea that we have to have a big, elaborate celebration to show our love and appreciation for others. But sometimes, the most meaningful moments are the ones we spend with just a few close loved ones.
3. Time is precious. Remember many people have to work over Christmas and may only get a small amount of time to enjoy the festivities. Life is about making the best of what we have, and being grateful for whatever we have, retaining a sense of perspective is good, stay grounded and don't get swept up in what others are getting up too.
4. It's okay to do things differently. If you've always celebrated Christmas a certain way and it's not feeling right for you this year, it's okay to try something new. Maybe you want to celebrate at a different time of year, or in a different location. Maybe you want to do something non-traditional, like having a curry and a Netflix fest. Whatever feels right for you is the right thing to do.
5. At this time it's wise prioritise financial stability. Christmas can be expensive, and it's easy to get into debt trying to keep up with all the expectations. Remember that it's okay to spend within your means and prioritise financial stability. It's better to have a low-key Christmas that you can afford than to go into debt trying to have a more elaborate celebration.
   
   

In short, it's important to do what feels right for you and your loved ones, and to let go of any guilt or pressure to do things a certain way.  It’s what you make it right?!