HOLIDAYS can be STRESSFUL.

For a decade my life was so stressful every holiday. As soon as the calendar hits the last month of the year, anxiety gets the best of me. I couldn't get myself to enjoy the festivities and few days off (vacation). There are themed parties left and right, so I need to pick up certain clothes, props etc. I have to squeeze in in between work and parties getting presents which I ended up lining up from one cashier to another, rushing to malls and stores to pick up gifts and if I am lucky enough the gift section/ counter would wrap it all otherwise I need to allot time tying ribbons, picking cards etc. Yes, that's how I (well most of us) spent most of our holidays.

This has changed in the recent years. I made sure holiday anxiety and rush have to end. I refuse to be part of the Black Friday or Cyber Monday bandwagon to get all these unnecessary stuff just because it's on sale. I decided not to stand for an hour on the queue just to purchase something and may regret eventually months after. In short, I do not want to be stressed out, I want to enjoy the time of the year with the people I care and offer my time not material things that caused my hypertension to spike.

Don't get me wrong, I bought gifts -- intentional gifts. Instead of asking what they want, I thought to myself what do they "need" or they "always use".

I got them stuff that for every day and personalized. I made my presents list months ahead and bought some online that came in nice packaging it saved me time and no reason to run around. I felt free from any "obligatory presents" it became mindful and special. In return, I didn't expect any presents from anyone instead I requested to spend a nice dinner or lunch with them. I am happier in this way- good food, few drinks and long fun conversations.

Let's make our lives simpler and special by creating experiences together.

Here's to 2019! Wishing you all the best.

Let's be mindful every day not just on holidays.