Post written by Sherri Kruger. Follow me on Twitter.
I wanted to take a minute while the house was quiet and the snow falls outside to thank you for an amazing year!
Participation, real stories and enthusiasm around all things family is exactly what I had in mind for Zen Family Habits and thanks to each and everyone of you that’s just what this little place has turned out to be.
There are is a whole lot more in store for 2011 including a new set of guest writers (yet to be decided) but – I’m thinking to balance out the fabulous women we had here last time we should give some of the guys a shot. I’d also like to focus more on what you, our fabulous readers, what to hear about. There are well over 5000 of you who are regular subscribers to ZFH and there are a whole lot more who come here to read throughout the month but I only hear from a fraction of you … so lurkers get ready! ;)
As I take some time away from the computer these next couple of weeks I thought I would share a thought I was having about the holidays on one of my more stressful days.
- The holidays are really only as stressful as you allow them to be.
- You are in complete control of your stress levels and what you decide to put yourself through.
- If you find you’re getting worked up, breathe and ask yourself “is what I’m doing to meet external expectations or self imposed ones?”
- Can you pull in the reins and not “go all out” and have a better time as a result?
- Can you choose to just let people be themselves and accept them for who they are, (even if it’s only for one day)?
I feel the holidays have gotten a tad out of control and we’re losing something because of it. Take time to find quiet, reflect on the past year, love who you’re with and find joy in the simple things.
Here’s to a happy and healthy holiday season!
Sherri and family xo
Some of our best posts for your holiday reading:
43 Simple Ways To Simplify Your Life
How To Gain An Extra Hour Or Two Each Day
Get To Your Mess Before It Gets You
Would You Fire You?
Is Today the day You Start Over?
A Brief Guide To Getting Motivated
I’m a Terrible Parent
Thank you for all your inspiration this year. This is the first Christmas where I feel very little stress. The only thing I can honestly say I am stressed about is that my mom’s parcel seems to have gone missing in the post and she won’t be able to open a present from me this year… But I think that is understandable stress :)
May you have a wonderful festive season!
Merry Christmas Sherri & Family! Thank you for all your beautiful words and inspiration this year!
Sherri,
Merry Christmas! Thank you for the opportunity to guest post this year and for all the wonderful content you produce and manage. Happy Holidays!
Vince
It has been quite a stress free Christmas this year for our family. I started looking for Christmas presents when I was out buying birthday presents in November. The kids also made homemade gifts for each other this year, which really helped us all to focus on the giving, rather than the receiving. Just seeing the kids being so grateful to each other for thier handmade gifts was my favourite part of the day!
I just wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog throughout the year. Thanks for all your effort you make to put up fun and informative posts!
This has definitely been one of my least stressful Christmas’s that I can remember! Many things went very well this year, but there are a few things I’d like to change for next year!
Enjoy the rest of your holiday and see you next year!
Bernice
http://livingthebalancedlife.com/2010/christmas-2010-what-worked-what-didnt/