For many people, the holidays are a time for doing more, spending more, baking more, seeing more, being more. For me, the holidays were always exhausting—until I began to slow down and focus on what really matters. By simplifying my holiday season, I’ve been able to enjoy it much more than ever before.
A simpler holiday season has allowed me to take a step back and enjoy the holidays for what they are. A time for family and friends, memories and laughter.
Instead of getting bogged down with endless obligations, I choose more time at home being cozy. One of the things that have helped me is to try to include handmade crafts and gifts into my holiday plans. There’s just something so rewarding about making things yourself instead of buying them at the store. One of the crafts I love to make this time of year are dried orange slices for ornaments, garlands, or wreath embellishments. I think they look magical!
Interested in other crafts and gifts you can make yourself? Here are a few ideas: