Years ago, our family decided to put up our Christmas tree at the end of November, all in hopes that preparing for Christmas early would mean that we’d get to enjoy Christmas for longer. Problem was, we bickered and argued with each other the entire time we trimmed the tree. We can’t even remember what we fought about, and would probably have forgotten this one particular tree-trimming event, except for one thing: the next day, out of nowhere, our Christmas tree fell over.

As in, it toppled sideways, hit the ground, and crashed many of its ornaments.

Christmas Take Two

Instead of getting upset, we all looked at each other and laughed. It was as if our Christmas tree had decided that it didn’t like how it had come together, at least energetically speaking.

So much for getting ahead on preparing for Christmas early.

That night, our family gathered around the Christmas tree again, and redid the entire thing, in better moods this time. The second Christmas tree stayed upright throughout the holidays.

This incident reminded us that Christmas wasn’t about getting things over and done with. The holidays had become so much about crossing items off our to-do lists and rush, rush, rush. But what were we rushing towards?

Being forced to redo our Christmas tree was a great reminder that we didn’t have to get stressed out over the perfect tree, dinner, or gift. What mattered was that we were enjoying the process. Most importantly, that we were enjoying and appreciating one another.

It might sound silly, but isn’t that what Christmas is supposed to be about?

Appreciating the little things

We’ve spoken about finding joy in the big and small things, and Christmas is the perfect time to fully embrace that.

We’re all for showering the people who you love with deserving presents, and completing your last-minute work-related goals, but this year, a large part of preparing for Christmas for us is in carving out the time and space to slow down.

7 Ways to slow down at Christmas

In preparing for Christmas this year, we’ve made an attempt to slow down, and have loosely planned our calm Christmas. You too, can take these as inspiration to slow down this season and savour the little moments. Here’s our list:

Clean and organize our house so that we can be comfortable.

This doesn’t sound fun, but once completed, is a great way to prepare for Christmas so that we can feel better and are more relaxed.

Put a spending limit on presents to ensure that our focus doesn’t become on spend, spend, spend.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of spending, especially during the Christmas season. It might feel as though we just have to purchase something, but we don’t. We’re going to try to quiet the noise around us telling us (sometimes shouting!) that “it’s such a good deal,” and remember that many good deals added together makes for big debt later.

Revisit some of our traditional Christmas time activities.

If you’re in Toronto, you already know that ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square is a big city favourite. You might want to check out your local area and discover what special activities are offered. Often, you’ll find outdoor things to do that are fun.

Visit a historical site, such as Colborne Lodge in High Park.

This has become an annual tradition for us. The good news is that many cities provide Victorian-themes Christmas events, so you might want to check out local listings to see what is offered near you.

Watch Christmas movies.

What’s Christmas time if not the perfect time to indulge in some movie-watching? As a tradition, we watch The Family Man, and never tire of it.

Read. Read. Read.

Crackling fireplace, reading socks, and a cup of tea. What is a more perfect way to dive into a can’t-put-down book?

Bake.

There’s something so cozy about snow falling and baking. This is the perfect time to try a new Christmas Recipe or a tried and true one.

And if none of these get done, then that’s fine too. We’ll happily sip on homemade hot chocolate, cuddle with our chihuahua on the couch, and watch the snow fall. Sounds pretty perfect.

How are you preparing for Christmas this year? Are you carving time to enjoy the small, magical moments? Let us know in the comments below.

-Isabel & Marilyn

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