How to Simplify the Holidays

How to Simplify(ˈsimpləˌfī) the Holidays(ˈhäləˌdā)

By Leo Babauta

Today, millions of people will be shopping, and the gift-shopping spree(sprē) that is the holiday season will continue for a good month.

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What would happen if we decided(dəˈsīdəd) to become radicals(ˈradikəl), and simplified the holidays? What would happen if we bucked(bək) the consumerist(kənˈso͞omərəst) traditions, and got down to the essentials(əˈsen(t)SHəl)?

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Once we remember the essentials, we can start to simplify. Here are some ideas for simplifying:

Remember what’s essential.

Limit shopping as much as possible.

Talk to your family about alternatives(ôlˈtərnədiv).

Make a list of the traditions you love, and those that you don’t love.

Start to let go of the non-essential.

Build a simple holiday around what matters to you.

Find the joy of giving in other ways.

Say no to the craziness(ˈkrāzēnəs) to say yes to the essentials.
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https://zenhabits.net/simplify-holidays/