How-to Simplify and Enjoy the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays

You know it's very surprising to me that some people have no common sense when it comes to the holidays. The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, hope, fun, family, and a time to reflect on that which is most important in life. Well, how people get on the wrong track during the holidays is baffling to me. So, I thought I would provide a list of holiday do's and dont's for those who may need a little common sense advice on how-to simplify and enjoy their Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

One of the most important things to remember is, never invite anyone for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner or a holiday party you're giving, that you really don't want as a guest. Yes, people for many reasons invite relatives, friends, co-workers, and others they truly don't want to see during the holidays. This is a big mistake. If you want to enjoy the holidays, only invite people you know you can enjoy being with, and you don't resent that they are there. Save your unpleasant,t obligatory have-to's for another time. Your holiday celebrations are not the appropriate time to be doing this, and you will enjoy your holidays a lot more.

Too many people don't keep things simple during the holidays, and then wonder why they don't enjoy them. They end up exhausted, cranky, and hating every moment of the holidays because they created a monster. Don't overdo it on any aspect of the holidays, get help if you need it. Have guests bring a covered dish which cuts down on your cooking time. Don't over shop for Christmas presents. You have other occasions during the year to show others you are thinking of them. Too many people get frustrated, and exhausted during the holidays because of too much shopping. Believe it or not going to too many holiday parties can be overwhelming as well.. Why? It takes too much time away from the family, and family holiday activities. You can't do it all, no matter hard hard you try. So, slow down, and make a priority list of the most important holiday activities and stick to it.. Unfortunately, some people act like this is the last holiday season they will ever celebrate, and do way too much. Even too many fun holiday activities can take it's tole on anyone.

One of the most important suggestions is, travel as little as possible during the holidays. I understand that sometimes people do have to travel during the holidays,but honestly, most of them don't have to, they just choose to do it. Holiday travel can not only be down right dangerous because of weather conditions, it can be crazy because so many people are traveling. Did you ever think that maybe visiting family or friends would be a lot less taxing during slower times of the year? Honestly, I do not travel during the holidays anymore, and I am so much more relaxed and happier than years ago when i did. Believe me, it was a lot easier to travel twenty years ago then it is now. By the time you get where you''re going, most people are not in the best of moods. Then all they can think about, is they have to do the same thing all over again to get back home after the holiday. No thank you! If at all possible, don't travel during the holidays. It's much easier to invite them to where you are.

Having a little common sense, and keeping things simple, can make for a much happier and more enjoyable Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday season. So, do as the famous author Henry Thoreau suggested, "Simplify, simplify."