Kelly's Healthy Home

The holiday season brings a slew of emotions for many of us. Today, I want to focus on how to create a happy home, one that brings joy and by default, creates a healthier home.

One way I find joy is by reducing my stress levels. I find the holiday season increases demands around our time and wallets. So how can we improve that? Learn to say no and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whehter that means to decline another event, ask for help if you’re hosting or setting boundaries with houseguests. Understand your limits and understand that it only benefits you and those around you if you don’t overextend yourself.

Another super simple way to reduce stress is to spend less time on wrapping gifts. Who here stays up past midnight scrambling to wrap holiday gifts? I swear by reusable gift bags. It literally takes me minutes to get my gifts ‘wrapped.’ First, I try putting gifts in bags as I get them. This also keeps my snoopy kids from discovering unwrapped gifts. Secondly, the bags can be reused over and over. Some of them I’ve had for years. Added bonus- less trash to clean up on Christmas morning.

Something like these: https://wastefreecelebrations.com

Simply search reusable bags and tons of options will come up. I also have a good amount of the Amazon cloth bags from people gifting us. So you know I have held onto those too!

Let’s dive into those gifts you’re bagging, as no matter what holiday you celebrate, there are likely some degree of gifts to be shared.

It will be no suprise that I’m suggesting to reduce holiday consumption by giving experiences over things. Some ideas:

Massage or spa giftcard

Pottery or candle making class

Tickets to a sporting event

Rock climbing or laser tag

Movie & Ice Cream night

Get creative and know that a donation to a charity and or giftcard to their favorite store is meaningful too. Keep it simple and start early. I often find great holdiay gifts at summer and fall local farm markets.

Beyond gifting expereince is actually focus more on quality time rather than presents. Cherish the small moments of baking cookies, family game nights, traditions and rituals. Many people, especially kids, love gifts. But in the long run, we all value the family traditions and quality time together, right? The pressure of gift giving can not only cause stress but also push people out of their budget.

At the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about the perfectly decorated tree or the spotless house. They’re about the small moments of joy we create. Wishing you a season filled with peace and little moments that matter.