What Will Your Holiday Theme Be This Year?

With the holidays only a few weeks away it’s time to start panicking, rushing around like mad and spending far more than we wanted to. Oh the fun!

Truth is, the holidays don’t need to be this way. In fact with a little planning, discussion and slowing down, this holiday season can be quite relaxing and even enjoyable.  Imagine!

There has been a lot of attention this past year on the poor economy and soaring consumer debt, and rightfully so. These are very real issues and it’s a scary situation to be in. But … instead of looking at it from a doom and gloom perspective, flip it on its head. Maybe this is the opportunity we need to get back to the spirit of the holiday season.

I’ve written about creating experiences before. Experiences are usually better than physical things. Spending time with people and connecting with them in meaningful ways can invoke feelings and attitudes that physical things simply can’t.

My theme this holiday season: Create great memories.

Here are some ways I plan on creating great memories, should you decide the same and need a bit of inspiration.

1. Dainty exchange. This is my favorite new tradition. You can do this with family or friends or a bit of both. Choose 2 or 3 of your favorite dainty recipes and make double or triple the amount. Decide on a day when you can all get together and exchange goodies. This is great since you get a lot more variety with a lot less work and you have an excuse to meet up with people you enjoy spending time with and sharing a few laughs.

2. Tea party. Just last week we self-catered high tea for the ladies in my family. We made 3 kinds of sandwiches, had a couple different dainties for dessert and a couple of different flavored teas. It was lovely, quiet and we created some truly wonderful memories. This is fun to do anytime not just during the holidays. Take pictures to capture the day and start a photo album or scrap book to document the day.

3. Craft day. Choose a day to get together with family or friends and make some holiday crafts. Think table centerpieces, wreaths, tree ornaments, place cards, candle holders, wine glass charms. Get creative and have fun. Find inspiration from books, magazines or TV shows.

4. Sleigh ride. I haven’t been on a sleigh ride for years, and that’s all about to change. This year we’ll be heading out to a large park and going for our first family sleigh ride. There will be a lot of us and I’m pretty sure it’ll be a great time. Afterwards, we’ll have a huge bonfire and roast hot dogs and marshmallows while we sip on hot chocolate. Mmmmmm.

5. Open house. If you have a lot of friends or family that you would like to see around the holidays but schedules aren’t cooperating, consider hosting an open house. Send out invitations to those you would like to see around the holidays. Invitations don’t need to be fancy, an email will do. Let them know they are free to come and go when they like between set times, try 12:00 and 4:00 or 3:00 and 5:00. Have a few appetizers, a fruit punch or eggnog, turn on some music and you’re set.

6. Host a movie night. The holiday season can be overwhelming for some people. It’s nice to take a little time out and just relax. Hosting a movie night is a great way to get friends or family to just sit, be quiet and enjoy a movie together. It can be a family classic or a new release. Pop some popcorn, set out some drinks, then sit back and enjoy the show.

These are some fairly simple ways I plan to create great memories with my family and friends this holiday season. If you still feel you need to exchange gifts consider drawing names, giving family gifts or only buying for the children. You don’t need to spend a lot of money just make the gift personal and give from the heart.

Okay, it’s your turn. What will your holiday theme be this year?

See also:

Create Experiences: Gifts That Can Last A Lifetime

Form Meaningful Relationships

7 Little Things That Make Me Disproportionately Happy

Photo courtesy of: michelphoto53 en Rénovation