The leaves are changing colors, a sweet scent of pumpkin fills the air and homes are filled with cozy fires, holiday baking and family time. It’s what the holidays are all about…isn’t it?
We all get that warm and fuzzy feeling this time of year. Crisp fall air outside, warm blankets on the inside and spending time with those we love. But you turn on the TV, browse your phone, or even go to the nearest stores by you and it seems a whole lot different. Holiday Sales, Black Friday deals, Gift lists and all kinds of other consumerism fills our minds. Has the true meaning of the holidays changed? Is it still about making memories as a family or has it shifted to a gift-extravaganza fueled by the constant need to buy, buy, buy?
While we believe that the true meaning of the holidays it still there, it’s really up to the individual how they choose to celebrate. If you’ve found yourself in a habit of turning towards shopping this time of year, here are a few ways to bring back the true meaning of this joyful time:
Spend Time With Family and Friends
Sure, we’re all shuffling around this time of year trying to get to all the holiday parties and split our time with all sides of the family, but seeing those family members who we only see once or twice a year is well worth it. You catch up on each other’s lives, make memories with the little ones, and reminisce on traditions you did growing up together.
Start New Traditions
Traditions today turn into cherished memories years down the road from now, and what better time to start a new family tradition than this time of year? A pie baking contest for dessert on thanksgiving, a snowball fight the evening of the first snow, or simply decorating the tree and baking Christmas cookies together are all great ways to get the whole family involved in spending quality moments together rather than browsing the sale section at the nearest retailer.
Do Something you Love
This is the time of year when a lot of us have vacation. We’re taking time off to spend with our families, taking a break between Christmas and New Year, and making time for the things we love and often put off is a great way to relax and rejuvenate before the craziness of New Year begins. Pick up that book you never finished, go to that attraction you’ve been meaning to see, or simply make time for that hobby that always gets put on the backburner as a way to enjoy the slowness of this time of year.
Ultimately, the holidays are what you make of them. We can spend them shopping, exchanging gifts, and growing consumerism, or we can relax and unwind with our families and loved ones and make memories to last a lifetime.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.