Meagan’s Holiday Help, Day 6: Plan for spontaneity.

Yesterday, I challenged you to edit your holiday to-do list.

You figured out which activities don’t sound fun or rewarding. By eliminating them, you’ve made room for something else that fills your cup – and, surprise: that may prove to be something that comes together at the last minute.

For those of you who struggle with perfectionism and over-planning, adding an activity in what feels like the 11th hour may seem crazy. But remember, sometimes the best traditions start with a spur-of-the-moment decision. You’ve still got 19 days to work with: plenty of time to add in a few spontaneous surprises.

Could you bundle up the kids and go on a “cocoa walk” at dusk to check out the holiday lights in your area? (Madeline in our Facebook community suggested this idea and I think it’s simply genius.) Grab a roll of slice-and-bake sugar cookie batter and some red-and-green sprinkles and plan a low-fuss (but still totally fun) kid-led, after-dinner cookie decorating session? Grab a holiday book or two and curl up for an unexpected afternoon read-aloud session?

Remember, your plans don’t have to be perfect to be joyful.

Whether you check every item off your list or only get around to one or two, though, remember: you get to decide what kind of holiday you want to have. If you’re finding you love the look of your scaled-back to-do list, keep it just as it is. Nobody will know if your list is a lot sparser this year than usual, but if it gives you room to breathe, that may just be the best holiday gift you could give yourself.

Enjoy your Sunday, mama, however that looks for you.

REFLECTION: If you struggle with perfectionism, ask yourself: how do I want to use the ‘white space’ my edited to-do list has opened up? Can I enlist family members to help me decide how to use that time, or choose a few low-key activities and go with the flow?