10 Holiday Traditions I Gave Up After 50 (No Regrets)

[@jennywaterswellness]

What would you add to the list? 👉🏻 Grab my free Habit Cheat Sheet: jennywaterswellness.com/easyhabits

[@grandmaowl7348]

I'm 66 now and this year I couldn't stand the thought of dragging up my 7 foot Xmas tree, I assemble it, put the lights and decorations on it and it takes me 2 days. This year I decided I'm done with that and purchased a 4 foot prelit tree to put on a table. I may miss that big tree but I definitely won't mind not having to do all that work!

[@jennywaterswellness]

Way to simplify but still enjoy a tree! I hope you have a joyful season!

[@luvzdogz]

Though I'm of a different age 😉 I can relate. I love how the final tree looks and enjoy it in our home but I decided I really don't enjoy the process. I'll still out it up this year but at some point I'll probably stop. What I try to do "instead" is visit several local, free things that are festive and have lots of decorations that give me that experience. We have a nearby park that does a huge Christmas display and put lights all over the huge park. And it's free!

[@Youngstown529]

But what else do you have to do at 66?

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

We have been alternating between the big tree and the small one for a few years. I decorate the big tree with my rag doll and bear collections and enjoy them every other year instead of displaying them. But last year, I didn't enjoy it. I'm thinking about putting it up again this year. If I don't enjoy it, it may be time to let my collections go and stick with the small tree going forward.

[@pamelamonteiro9601]

And we still have to take it all down again after Christmas. I do 2 smaller trees, 1 in dining are & 1 in lounge. This year they will have lights & bows to dress them. Simple & beautiful. At 77 the simple gives me happiness. Merry Christmas to everyone. With Love & Light (& bows) 😂

[@Tootsie806]

My family loved Christmas. I did not. The truth is that I dreaded the season. The year my husband passed away, I put my foot down. No more open house on Christmas Eve, where it seemed everyone we and our children knew gathered at our house for food and festivities, then midnight services and back to the house for a few more hours. Then, to wake up on Christmas Day, prepare brunch for all our out of town house guests, clean up, and continue the preparations I had started a 7 in the morning for the Christmas dinner feast. Our family from out of town usually stayed for several days, so I was constantly cooking, cleaning, babysitting, or chauffeuring people here and there. I hated every minute. Now, the adult children and relatives handle the festivities and I plan cruises, trips to resorts, or just a quiet day with friends who are also widowed. I can finally feel the joy of the real meaning of Christmas.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Good for you making it something you enjoy! Christmas hasn't been my favorite holiday because it's been so much work, but I'm slowly changing that! I hope you have a calm and wonderful Christmas!

[@wisteria808]

Wow -- that was a lot!!

[@margareth5501]

I leave my Christmas decorations up until the end of January. They bring me joy, and winters here in MD are so often just depressing dismal, cold rain.

[@jennywaterswellness]

I think that’s a great reason to leave them up! Have a blessed holiday season!

[@Chrystal300]

Me too. I find it makes my space so tranquil.

[@ruthfrancois8972]

Ikr taking down the decorations Christmas night or the day after sounds crazy to me

[@MariaClayton-z5q]

Easter. I put eggs on it!

[@Vesper_Songs]

@@margareth5501 I leave mine up through Valentine's Day. One year I even changed the decorations on the tree to Valentine's decorations ❤

[@HopeLaFleur1975]

I am a lot older more than 50. But I like simple. Go to Mass everyday prior to Christmas. Gives you peace. Forgoing the Christmas regulars at Church. I make a very simple Christmas no presents. We have abundance every day. No Christmas cards. Just simple in the moment things. Some Christmas markets. Its all simple minimal and thanking 🙏 our Christs birth. 💒

[@jennywaterswellness]

I love that! My dad did the same thing going to Mass every day!

[@VeronicasVeil333]

Yes! To daily Mass! I love Christmas - again. I stopped when I lost my son and grandson 9 years ago. But with healing - I have resumed my joy - but much simpler. Merry Christmas to all…….and joyous blessings🎄

[@janebentrott5984]

This year for the very first time I decorated in November. It has actually freed up time for me to do more activities in December which I enjoy and took pressure off me! A win, win!❤🎄❤

[@lauraann7816]

I leave my tree and nativity scene up until January 6th for the Epiphany/3 Kings' Day. All of my extended family does too. Then I put it all away and take a little breather from decorating. I clean and declutter if I can. I am quite the packrat! Then I put a few little cutesy things out for Valentine's Day. Happy Healthy Holidays everyone 😊

[@jennywaterswellness]

I used to do that as well until a few years ago. 😀 Have a happy healthy holiday!

[@MasteringMidlifeWithHeidi]

Decluttering is the hard part for me!! 😂

[@nbenefiel]

Always. Taking Christmas down before Epiphany seems wrong. We don't put up Christmas until the 13th, Santa Lucia day. My Nativity scene takes up the most room. Now, at 73, I don't alwa6s set up the whole thing. I still make all the cookies.

[@KT-wr3cv]

Everyone knows you leave it all decorated until Jan 7th!

[@lauraann7816]

@KT-wr3cv I am glad to see others are still like me. To each his own yes. But today's world (not meaning this creator) like the stores for instance are rushing our lives away. I used to look forward to Thanksgiving and then seeing the Christmas stuff come out. Then in dreary January the fun Valentine's Day stuff/candy. Easter after that. Last year Easter was out IN FULL SWING in Dollar Tree 10 days BEFORE CHRISTMAS here in NJ. Now-- more than a week before Thanksgiving-- I see people hauling Valentine's Day decor from TJMaxx. I have seen people comment yay because they are sick of looking at Christmas stuff. Sure they are because it's been out since August. I do celebrate Christmas in July, but it is in Summer fashion. I definitely don't want to be perusing Valentine's Day decor in November. Life is short enough. Stop and smell the roses.

[@Spaceystacey2000]

I still send Christmas cards - not a family update - but a quick note of gratitude to my family and friends. I love receiving cards in the mail too. It’s so special to receive a handwritten note in this electronic age. It reminds me to slow down and enjoy the simple things.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Love that! I do enjoy hand written cards. I’m just not good at writing them. 😆 I bet yours are a blessing to those who receive them!

[@imadickens3337]

I so agree! I love the Christmas card tradition!

[@cdh2328]

When postage costs more than my cards, it was time to quit. So I did.

[@MsAmy-hy5ds]

Ditto for us but I know this is another cherished tradition that will be changing as our family is now changing too!!

[@rebeccaclementz3756]

At my church, we have Christmas card bins so we don't have to mail cards to people we see each week anyway.

[@cjhoward409]

I’m 58 and we go all out for Christmas. It’s my holiday time. I was born Christmas Eve and got a Christmas name. I love to entertain and decorate. My husband loves it all too and does much of the decorating. During 2020, we still had many friends and family over. Nobody got sick, nobody died. We enjoyed Christmas.

[@jennywaterswellness]

You should go all out with the double holiday! How fun!

[@donnawoods8039]

After I retired I stopped buying gifts for anyone over 18 years old. I don't do Christmas at my place anymore and let the kids do it. I don't decorate except for a tree. I really don't need any company on Christmas day I would rather watch movies and drink hot tea.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Stopping buying adult gifts seems like a sensible choice in retirement. I hope you have a very blessed holiday!🎄

[@BlessingsfromNorthIdaho]

That sounds lovely.

[@annbassett8283]

Thanks for the list of optional Christmas activities. The best thing that I did was stop buying gifts for adults. It was draining trying to find something or many things that they did not have or would like. I give gifts on birthdays and that's much easier for me.

[@jennywaterswellness]

I’m trying to work my way there! Buying gifts for adults is challenging!

[@maryannsulic1174]

I'm now doing the same.

[@nahha9529]

Easy gifts for adults are food and plants that are potted but die off later in the year. No need to keep stuff

[@noillusions8734]

I LOVE that you went for unity and invited EVERYONE of your daughters families! I am also glad that they agreed to come. I wish we had MORE of that attitude this year.

[@jennywaterswellness]

I agree- the world needs more love and hospitality! Happy holidays!

[@thelmaharper8545]

During Covid I actually had the most stress free Christmas ever. I didn’t have to drive 1 1/2 hours to celebrate with family. It was just us. We enjoyed it so much that now that we are able to gather once again, I find myself making excuses to family why I won’t be there this year, but I’m running out of excuses. Lol 😊 😊

[@jennywaterswellness]

I know how you feel! That Christmas I got to stay in my pajamas and relax. I hope you have a relaxing Christmas season!

[@lauren-d4j]

I stopped filling the stockings in 2020 when my adult children were both in their 20s. No one said anything about the “missing” stockings and I realized I was only doing it for myself, because I was reluctant to let go of a cherished childhood tradition. Less stressful, for sure

[@jennywaterswellness]

That’s a great way to simplify!

[@cdh2328]

The cost of doing stockings as well as gifts is crazy.

[@MsAmy-hy5ds]

That’s the phase of life we’re in now and trying to decide how to handle stockings! I think we’ll still put some things in them as we do still have 1 20 year old home that attends community college and still lives at home but we’re thinking of pairing it down to maybe something like special cookies or the like. Even just making room to hang all of the stockings on the fireplace is a challenge as we’ve added spouses and grands to our family! 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@lauren-d4j]

@ My mother-in-law insisted on having stockings at her house for my children which was sweet, but also confusing for them

[@lauren-d4j]

@ It was stressful too because after Midnight Mass, my husband and I still had “work” which was filling stockings, consuming cookies and milk and putting out Santa’s gifts. This was a wonderful part of being a parent, but I have to admit that there is less “stress” without it

[@rroumeli]

You have a nice easy going manner. I feel like I’m chatting with a friend watching your videos!

[@jennywaterswellness]

Oh thank you! 😊

[@kimdenardo1076]

I love sending Christmas cards. However, they are fewer. I send to the older family and friends that don't do social media - then I do send to others I don't see often enough

[@jennywaterswellness]

That’s a great way to handle it!

[@pamforrester844]

I miss the Christmas cards, I get very few anymore, I hope everyone remembers the elderly this holiday, I see so much loneliness and am going to at least restart my tradition of cards with a personal hand written note.

[@pattyallen5313]

Years ago, I would send out 40 Christmas cards. I remember how stressed and tired it made me. These last few years, my list has gotten a bit shorter I'm happy to say. This year I plan on sending only a small amt and will be giving friends and family a few calls to say hello. Striving for a Calm & Peaceful Christmas with time for reflection on the real meaning of Christmas will be the BLESSING that I KNOW God wants me to have !!! Merry Christmas to you & yours !!!!!

[@ColleenKelley-fp4fd]

Me too! I have family members who never send Christmas cards yet I find it so difficult to follow their lead. I think this year I’ll do my best to wish them Merry Christmas via technology. If I’m ok not getting a card from them, think they’ll be ok not receiving a card from me. 🎄

[@jennywaterswellness]

Yes! Calm and Peaceful Christmas sounds wonderful!

[@jennywaterswellness]

We email each other around Christmas. Any way to keep connection without so much work is good!

[@katie7748]

I used to love sending cards. No stress involved. But over the years, I realized that no one appreciated it. I got very few "hey we got your card" responses. Even fewer sent some in return and most of those who did only sent them out of obligation. Though it's not about receiving...it's about giving and spreading joy...it's still nice when it's reciprocated. The last few years, however, I've stopped sending them due to safety reasons (long story). I miss sending cards out even if they weren't appreciated. Oh well.

[@nicoleknott2593]

I also decorate early so I can enjoy all that effort for a longer time, but I also leave it up until the Epiphany. After all Christmas actually starts on the 25th of December and lasts 12 days. It was all Advent season before that!

[@jennywaterswellness]

It’s fun to enjoy the decorations longer! I used to wait till epiphany to take them down but now just celebrate at church.

[@wisteria808]

Loved your video! There is some terrific advice here. The only area where you and I part ways is when it comes to the decorations. Thanksgiving is supposed to be an autumnal holiday, celebrating the "harvest home." I still want my fall decorations up for Thanksgiving. You know that song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas"? The first day of Christmas is December 25, and the last day is either January 5 or January 6, depending on the year. In many churches, this is known as the Feast of the Epiphany. If you read the New Testament, the Wisemen were not there at the manger -- they found Mary and Jesus some time after. So in my family, we put decorations up December 1st, and don't take them down until after January 5. This gives us a full month to enjoy them.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Since we don’t have Thanksgiving at home, I like to decorate early but get that that’s not everyone’s preference. We still celebrate the Epiphany at our church too! Have a blessed holiday!

[@mamasmountains]

I broke tradition for the first time in 40 years tonight. We never put up the tree or decorate until after Thanksgiving per my husband's request. This year my daughter and I did it all tonight. I don't get to see my grandchildren until after Christmas and they will be coming for Thanksgiving this year so I wanted it done. I only send cards if I receive one and I stopped the photos and letters after my kids grew up. Love your video!

[@jennywaterswellness]

That sounds like a great reason to break tradition! Happy holidays!

[@ginac7235]

Living in a colder region where plants go dormant, I keep the non-glittery foliage up like pine, holly, poinsettias along with pine cones, berries for most of winter. They add a nice visual “warmth.”

[@jennywaterswellness]

I love the idea of using natural elements for a wintery feel!

[@denisemessier4834]

I love Christmas!!! I start decorating November 1st and leave it up til just after January 1st. I now use two 4 foot table trees instead of the big ones. Now I decorate more winter, woodsy and natural. I started getting rid of decorations last year that I no longer use and it feels great. I have Christmas Eve at my house and take every short cut known to man while cooking. lol Merry Christmas!!!

[@rachaelnuchols764]

What a great video ❤. First time watching ❤

[@jennywaterswellness]

Glad you enjoyed it!😊

[@martha3445]

I take the lamp off a table in the family room, cover it to the floor with a holiday tablecloth. We skip the bottom section of our 8ft Christmas tree, stick the rest of it in the base, and put that on the table. It ends up the same height. Saves hauling the table to the basement and is easier to decorate. This also works if you have toddlers.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Great tip!

[@nadiasews]

In 2020 I sent out 50+ xmas cards, and got 4 or 6 in return...after I had the pictures done, printed the cards, addressed all the envelopes and bought a ton of stamps...after that I realized I didn't have as many "friends" as I thought I did and wasn't willing to spend all that money again. The people who are closest to me are getting life updates and pictures of my kids all year! Now I make a calendar for the grandparents and call it a day.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Good to focus on those closest to you! We’ve been making calendars for the grandparents too! Merry Christmas!

[@greendancingshoes]

I have given up putting out all of the decorations. I put the tree up on November 10 because I like to enjoy it for a longer time. This year I will cover it to keep the dust off and leave it up in the family room. I have given away some of the decorations. I will be having a meeting with the family about gifts. The only thing that the adult children need is money .The grandchildren will get gift cards. That takes a lot of pressure off. I no longer do a turkey dinner with all of the trimmings at Christmas. I do it at Thanksgiving in October, and for Christmas we have only appetizers, including my Mom's tourtiere recipe, and desserts. So much easier at Christmas. It's supposed to be about getting together, celebrating the birth of Jesus, and enjoying the day, not stressing, over-eating, and being exhausted.

[@jennywaterswellness]

This is great- finding ways to enjoy your people and celebrating without the extra work! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

[@gabrielleangelica1977]

A small, simple Christmas 🎄 is the best!

[@jennywaterswellness]

So true!

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

When Covid hit of course we all had to limit ourselves to who we were able to celebrate with. For my small family, husband, son, mother and myself it was quiet. We had a very relaxing day with no rushing to go out, no having to stress over company coming and we realized we liked it. I’m sure I may have thought differently in my 30’s and 40’s but now that I’m 61 I find it enjoyable. Now I’m sure things may change now that my son is married and is planning on a family in the near future.❤️🙏

[@jennywaterswellness]

We kind of enjoyed the slower Christmas that year too!

[@dking1362]

I just turned 60. After 20+ years as a single mom of 3, I am TIRED! It is a lot of work creating memories for the family. I continue to evaluate, but here are my changes (so far!) As I can find myself alone on holidays, I work to prevent self-pity: 1. I packed up the kids' ornaments (they each received a special one yearly) and gave them to each child. No more to buy, and no making me sad for the old days when "the kids were home." 2. Ditto their Christmas book collections (but I admit I miss them!) 3. I purchased just a few new ornament sets in a different color. Now I am hand-making ornaments (as I feel like it!) each year to add to my tree. So far I have made pom-pom garlands, embroidered mittens, and beaded spool ornaments. It's something new just for me. 4. I always, always wanted Christmas lights but couldn't afford them. Now I can. For the last 2 years I have hired someone to put up a string of lights along my roofline, and I just add a lighted wreath. They bring me joy! 5. Baking? Very, very little. Never enjoyed it, don't want to eat it. 6. My kids do Thanksgiving Day with their in-laws, so I am alone. I am trying to make it special by making it my Christmas decorating day so I have something to look forward to and don't just mope! 7. I have simplified gifts - one per family. Last year I bought charcuterie boards. This year I'm feeling creative and so I'm making "Let's Stay Home" kits. Adding things as the whim takes me: popcorn and cocoa; gingerbread-making house kits I found at 40% off, cozy socks. 8. I am having just a small gathering of friends over the week after T-giving. I will use my otherwise-languishing Christmas dishes, and it will satisfy my social craving. 9. Card making is my hobby, so I still send those...but no letter or long messages! ( I also make some for residents on a local memory care unit in memory of my mother.). As long as it is still fun, I will create them. 10. I've always loved tradition; it seemed an anchor in our otherwise-chaotic life. But I am learning the importance and value of flexibility and guess what? I can still enjoy the holiday and celebrate Christ's birth without a huge Christmas feast or piles of presents!

[@jennywaterswellness]

What wonderful ideas to make your holidays joyful! I think it’s great to keep reevaluating to find the traditions that work for the season you’re in! I hope you have unexpected blessings this holiday season!

[@MsAmy-hy5ds]

Oh my GOODNESS how wonderful this is!!! I love and admire how you’ve adapted and changed and made things work for the best!! What a true treasure you are!!!! 💜

[@dking1362]

@@MsAmy-hy5ds Oh, you are wonderful. It is so rare to hear such kind, uplifting words. I am completely ordinary - probably even boring! But I am really working to see the positive. I know that I am the one responsible for my life, so it's up to me to make it a good one that is satisfying for me and can hopefully bless others. Just tonight I had a dear friend over to help with this year's handmade ornaments. She is great at beading and jewelry making, and I want to make ornaments with spools and beads (to represent my love of sewing), so that was fun. I simply cannot say enough about how much your comments mean to me. Thank you. THANK YOU!

[@joanneverreau2546]

Thanks for the great advice! Love the poem🙏🏻. I have started my Christmas season early, shopping and baking have already started. I’m from Ontario, Canada, so we have had our Thanksgiving. Just trying to simplify things as I go this year so I can relax and enjoy our Christmas, we host Christmas every year…have two boys still at home…aging parents…on and on, I just need to remember the reason for the season 🙏🏻💕.

[@jennywaterswellness]

That’s great that you’re getting an early start so you can enjoy a slow peaceful holiday! It’s nice that Canada’ Thanksgiving is earlier to spread things out!

[@dianalama1591]

Love hearing what changes you’ve made and your “why”🥰👍

[@ycannon100]

Jenny I absolutely love your voice very calming and thank you for sharing about the changes at Christmas that has made life a bit easier for you and Happy Birthday (you didn’t say the day but you said it was this month) my birthday is this month as well. I will say Christmas is my favorite time of year - not the gifts - those are not important- but the love of family and my love language is sending cards - so much technology - sending a text for Christmas doesn’t seem to have much thought behind it. I agree with some other messages on here that a handwritten note in a card it just puts a smile on my face as I know it does for a lot of the elderly I send cards out to as well - anyway, Wishing you and your family a Very Merry Christmas!

[@jennywaterswellness]

Thank you! It was the 5th. Happy birthday to you too! I bet people love getting your cards!

[@Vesper_Songs]

The main thing I did that completely transformed my holiday season is - I generally removed myself from the commercial side of Christmas - i.e. compulsory gift-giving and massive consumerism. Now, granted, I don't have kids so this wasn't as challenging for me as it might be for others. My extended family did bristle at my decision, but I held firm. It has completely liberated me and made the entire holiday season so much more relaxed and joyful. I still do other traditions, like putting up decorations, baking, singing Christmas carols, gathering with friends and family, etc., but not having to run around all month buying, buying, buying, wondering what to get people, and spending myself into debt, has made the holidays a complete joy for me!

[@jennywaterswellness]

What a wonderful way to simplify!! Merry Christmas!

[@Vesper_Songs]

@@jennywaterswellness thanks and same to you!

[@martina21953]

I miss the days when we had four children at home. My husband and I always had plenty of gifts for the kids and each other. We made brunch and relaxed after all of the presents were open. Now, they're all grown up, my husband has passed away, and those days are just a memory. I have two grandchildren that I won't be seeing which makes things kind of crappy. I still have my decorations and the tree set up. I'm going to leave it up until I have the energy to take it down. Christmas will be just my son, his girlfriend, and me. We'll be having dinner together and I'm going to try to get them to play Chinese Checkers or Scrabble with me before they go back home.

[@cynthiagraven3343]

I just found your channel with this video, but you are echoing some changes I’ve already made & suggesting some new ones I’m going to think about! Thank you.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Awesome, thank you!

[@deniseparker1088]

Just discovered your channel. Subscribed! Grrat video. I have a mid December birthday 🎇~ best month to celebrate a birthday with all the Christmas 🎁 f 9:46 estivities. Mom always decorated for Christmas after my birthday. I decorate Saturday after Thanksgiving. Undeck the halls weekend after new years... This year will be January 4/5.

[@jennywaterswellness]

December is a great month for birthdays! I hope you have a fun festive December!😀

[@jrpacer6355]

On my husband side of the family I finally stop with the ortament exchange and cookie exchange its such freedom I dont need the extra cookies and ortaments 😊😊 I'm 57

[@jennywaterswellness]

Oh yes! I quit the ornament exchange too! There’s only so many you need!

[@shirlysmilesmusic6919]

I broke my big toe in two places, 8 weeks ago. The pain is horrible and I don't feel like doing a whole lot of anything. I love Christmas so very much but this year it just feel like it's gonna happen.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Oh no! I hope it starts feeling better soon! Hopefully you can find some simpler ways to enjoy it. 🙏🏻

[@shirlysmilesmusic6919]

@@jennywaterswellness thank you!

[@donnawoods8039]

I stopped sending cards years ago. But I have some left over that are pretty old. If I get one in the mail, I send one to the person who sent it unless it is a family member. They probably all end up in the trash anyhow.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Sounds like a good system 😀

[@joancavanaugh965]

I only send cards to people out of town or that I don't see v often. It's usually no more than 10, generally less .

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

In Canada our postal services just went on strike. Some years I send cards and some years I don’t usually depending on my health. I think this year is a freebie.😂

[@jennywaterswellness]

I heard about the strike. I guess you get a free pass this year! I hope your health is good this year!

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

@@jennywaterswellnessthank you.❤️🙏

[@peterjoseph-limitlesslifes4606]

Love it! Thanks for the practical words of wisdom. 😊

[@jennywaterswellness]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karenbochinski]

I have simplified my decorating. A lot of people do not send cards so I only send to those that do send them. I am a knitter and do my Christmas knitting that time of the month. I do like to knit beanies for my great nieces and nephews.

[@RMooney]

I stopped the gifts for extended family years ago. My husband and I also do not exchange any gifts or do stockings and it takes a lot of pressure off. We are both content to treat ourselves if there is something we want or need. I keep our Christmas items to 3 totes and the main focus is the tree while keeping the house smelling wonderful with Nordstroms Christmas potpourri. I do very little baking anymore (that helps keep the weight from creeping up) and buy a small variety of baked goods and candies from local bakeries ahead of time to serve only Christmas week. The adult kids get a simple gift of money or gift cards, quality chocolate and this year they get an added travel journal. Sometimes, if the kids travel to their in-laws, we sneak off to a warmer destination!

[@jennywaterswellness]

It sounds like you’ve found a way to make the holidays fun and relaxing!

[@kentvegplot]

Still sending cards to the older generation who don’t do social media. Keep the decorations up until Epiphany, otherwise I think you miss the end of the Christmas story. Husbands birthday in mid December makes timing the decorating a challenge….

[@jennywaterswellness]

December birthdays do make it challenging. I used to leave it up till epiphany too. Have a blessed Christmas season!

[@teresahalliday3680]

I'm quite a bit older than you and we don't have children. For Christmas we have a 5 ft. pre-lit tree that we put on a table, so it looks tall but it easier to deal with. I love Christmas cards, but my list is small because my circle of friends is small with most of them in different places. My siblings come for dinner on Christmas eve and have for years. We have our traditional Christmas meal. I bake cookies and the cake my mother used to make, but have cut down on the variety...just making favorites. We don't exchange gifts anymore. Instead, we each choose a charity and throw the names in a hat and put in money to go to the charity pulled out of the hat. None of us needs anything and there are plenty out there that do. Sorry this is long.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Thanks for sharing! I love hearing everyone’s traditions! Have a wonderful holiday filled with JOY!

[@robintorassa409]

I also like to put Christmas up early and take it down the day after christmas

[@jennywaterswellness]

I love this new schedule!

[@teresahorvet8596]

Two things my husband (now deceased) and I decided on very early were: We will go to family on Christmas Eve, but Christmas Day is for our family. We let the kids enjoy their Christmas morning and stay in their pajamas all day if they want. The other one is that when a tradition becomes an obligation, it is now a burden. Christmas is not a time for burdens. Christmas cards were one of those obligations that became a burden for me.

[@jennywaterswellness]

What a cozy Christmas to stay in your pajamas! Sounds like you and your husband were purposeful on creating memories! I love that- traditions shouldn’t be burdens!

[@theOlLineRebel]

Scrooge moment: Honestly I just wish people would stop “personalizing” cards with photos of their whole family, often in summer vaca etc. I just don’t care that much to see, and people seem like they’re trying hard to seem relevant and exciting. Goes for the form letters to an extent, too. Like you’re trying to brag. If I don’t see you that much, I probably don’t care to, and if I do see you a lot, I don’t need a photo. A simple card wishing everyone a good year would be enough. Call me a grinch but that’s my Seinfeld outlook. Also a whole episode on Raymond, especially the end scene.

[@jennywaterswellness]

I get that! I just watched a Hallmark movie about a neighborhood competition for the best Christmas letter. There was lots of embellishment of what the families had done that year. 🤣

[@lisatuckett6386]

Absolutely agree! I miss the beautiful cards I used to get. Now everyone just sends out preprinted photo cards without even a real signature. I save the old pretty ones to display.

[@maryannspicher]

I’ll add that I stopped baking cookies. I have grown children who make their own cookies. They would eat a few on Christmas and I was left eating them sometimes until Valentine’s Day 🤦‍♀️ I can’t waste food lol. And Im not a fan of baked goods to begin with. I also give cash because my grown children buy what they really want. I’ve asked and they never have needed anything. It’s just easier than giving them an exchange errand to run because they’re busy in their own lives. I also gave up Christmas cards many moons ago! I have been fighting with myself not to decorate too early but maybe I will 🤔 I take things down over New Year mainly because I have more time off to do so.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Yes to the cookies! My daughter makes them and then I send leftovers home with everyone! I don’t need them in my house! 😆

[@marygarrett9724]

I’m not doing any of it this year

[@jennywaterswellness]

I hope you enjoy the season without all the stress!

[@only1joy]

Good for you.

[@themirrorimagestitcher]

You had me till the last one. I don’t know how taking down the decorations Christmas night or on the 26th would help. In fact that absolutely would make it worse for me as I’m sure it would for many. All that time & effort just to take down 2 1/2 weeks later, disassembling Christmas on the 25th after a long day celebrating, not being present to enjoy my family & friends during the evening because I have to take down Christmas. Nope, I’m going to be present with my family on the 25th, take a breather on the 26th and then start taking down Christmas.

[@jennywaterswellness]

All of my family lives locally so they only come for the day. I know it’s unconventional but it’s worked for me. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season!

[@amykitten4492]

The quote is one I’ve loved for years. Mine is attributed to Michael Podesta. Appreciate the reminder.

[@jennywaterswellness]

I read it every year!

[@cdh2328]

My joy got sucked out years ago and it hasn’t come back.

[@jennywaterswellness]

I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ve found looking for small things to be grateful for can slowly bring back my joy in hard seasons. I hope unexpected blessings come your way!

[@albayer-b2s]

you're so right about overdoing the Holiday eating; Halloween is over but the left-over candy is going to be the Holiday candy this year. I'll admit to continuing the eating of it, but I have worked really hard at making 2024 my year to rid myself of extra weight and I have been successful so far. I want to finish the year on a high note, so I am committed to not doing the same level of baking as I have done in previous years. I will make a pie for dessert, but not all the cookies I usually make.

[@jennywaterswellness]

This is a great plan! You can still enjoy in moderation! I’m not one of those people who can bake without taste testing so I’ve reduced my baking too!😆

[@cathyellis767]

I decorated on election day, I think it's too much work for a month. I love decorating and sending cards. ☺️❤

[@jennywaterswellness]

I agree- it’s too much work for one month! Enjoy your festive home! 🌲

[@caroleanderson1106]

Great video. Because of our cat we haven't decorated for three years. At first I was sad about it, because I love the decorations so very much. Now it's okay, only problem is that I have 20+ bins to get rid of. We don't even do presents anymore. We don't need or want anything. If we do we just buy it through the year. I still send cards, but it's only like 8 of them.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Sounds like you’ve simplified to what you enjoy! Happy holidays!

[@caroleanderson1106]

Thank you for responding. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

[@sundancemom6143]

My birthday is at the beginning of December, but I’m done with Christmas period. It’s gotten too commercialized and it’s lost its meaning. I don’t enjoy it anymore. I love Halloween, so we have a Halloween tree that I put up at the end of October, and it stays up until right after Christmas. Hubby is great with it, and likes the Halloween tree better.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Happy birthday! I hope you can still feel the Christmas peace without all the stuff!

[@MELINDASSIMPLEBLESSINGS]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 eating like crazy all of DEC. i get it ...i got a gym membership now and have been going .my healthy food i need to get back

[@jennywaterswellness]

Good for you!! 💪🏻

[@vernasinclair2318]

Thank you, Jenny!🌲👍

[@jennywaterswellness]

Thanks for watching Verna!

[@MasteringMidlifeWithHeidi]

My birthday is late January, so I’ve held off many times until then to take down decor. And when I was young, I would beg my mom to leave the Christmas tree up until my birthday. Not sure that ever happened! 😂 Your tree is beautiful - I love the setting of your video!! 🎄

[@jennywaterswellness]

There’s no rules for when to put up or take down decorations! I love that you keep the up for your birthday! Thanks Heidi!

[@cjhoward409]

I have collected snowmen. So, after Christmas we would take down the tree and Santa things but kept snowmen up till right before Valentine’s Day. My youngest son has a Jan birthday

[@MasteringMidlifeWithHeidi]

@@cjhoward409I love this… and snowmen too!! Yes, I’ll leave you what I can as long as I can. I live in Phoenix though so people think you’re a little nuts having snowmen out when it’s 80 degrees outside! 😂

[@maureen8745]

After I moved to Hawaii and my bf (I was 42 now 50 yay!) passed away I quit commercialism Christmas etc and enjoy time with Jesus...He's the reason why there's Christmas after all. Holidays were never fun for my brother and I as our parents were divorced (I was 3) and being tossed back and forth as a pawn is the bittersweet memory I have for all christian holidays so it's just Jesus and I. 😊 Amen. Ps 5 am coffee, me, Jesus on the beach what a divine blessing.❤

[@jennywaterswellness]

So sorry for your loss! Focusing on Jesus is all you need! Your mornings sound perfect!

[@kristiwilliams9626]

I just found your channel. I love your 10 things to quit. I haven’t sent Christmas cards for a few years. My parents have passed away. Therefore it has fallen on me. This year my son and wife are due to deliver their first child on December 31st. I think it will come early, so Christmas is on hold.

[@jennywaterswellness]

How exciting waiting on a grandchild!!

[@calamityjenn]

I'm a mom. I signed up for the role of Christmas cheerleader. I set the tone and traditions for my family's holiday season. Taking a few more spins around the sun, putting me in the middle-age bracket, doesn't change anything. I detest that apathetic attitude. The show must go on. If it's too much for you, don't do it. Don't use your age as an excuse.

[@jennywaterswellness]

That’s awesome that you enjoy doing the holidays big!

[@italishgirl5601]

Great advice! 🎄

[@jennywaterswellness]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jennywhisconier7777]

What??? December IS a free pass to eat whatever I want? Have you lost your mind??? Haha -- just kidding! Great vid!

[@jennywaterswellness]

😆 Thanks for watching!

[@marthamalone9791]

I also have Celiac Disease. Do you have any recommendations on pre-prepared gluten free items.

[@jennywaterswellness]

We have a Sprouts and last year they had a box gluten free stuffing mix I used. We’ve also been able to find Maine Pie Co gluten free pies. I make less casseroles these days. We have roasted Brussels sprouts instead of a green bean or asparagus casserole. I do like Mom’s gluten free mixes too. amzn.to/3Or66Ip

[@dawns7062]

Yes! I got rid of all the extra decorations, stopped sending cards, and started ordering Chinese on Christmas day. We are supporting a local small restaurant and I don't have to cook. This year will be the first time I don't fill stocking. All my kids are adults.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Way to simplify!!

[@jeanholmes7976]

I love sending Christmas cards. And I believe Christmas starts Christmas Eve and the birth of Jesus!! Thank you for your ideas….🎄🎄from Jean.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Thanks for sharing! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

[@MELINDASSIMPLEBLESSINGS]

Oh i miss those Christmas traditions since Grandma passed away ...

[@jennywaterswellness]

I’m sorry to hear that, but I bet you’ve made some new traditions of your own!

[@MELINDASSIMPLEBLESSINGS]

💜

[@craftmom5302]

I do still send Christmas cards with a picture of my little family in it but I don't do a lot of social media I have not been on social media since last Christmas so I'll probably get on there this year in December sometime to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and that'll be that😂 so I do actually enjoy receiving Christmas cards to with a picture updated of friends family members Etc just because I don't do very much social media😊

[@MsAmy-hy5ds]

I also believe many people still enjoy getting “snail mail “!!! I feel like it’s a nice way to keep in touch!!!

[@jennywaterswellness]

I think that’s wonderful! I just got overwhelmed with it so I had to let it go. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

[@ginamarie8231]

Habits ❤

[@jennywaterswellness]

You can get my free Habit Cheat Sheet: jennywaterswellness.com/easyhabits

[@ripmomcovid4678]

Blue Christmas. No more hateful red. No more spending and helping the economy. no more church with sociopaths. no more cards or gifts. FOcus on survival, because that is what we are going ot need to do.

[@jennywaterswellness]

I hope you can still find some blessings in this season. 🙏🏻

[@ellivalmont1452]

No more hateful red I love it 😊

[@stephaniemeadows6796]

I love watching Christmas movies with my mom and family and drinking hot cocoa like the old movies . White Christmas it’s a wonderful life national lampoons home alone Smokey mountain Christmas and the 80s Christmas special movies on here

[@jennywaterswellness]

It’s a wonderful life is my favorite!!

[@amerwine]

I don’t decorate at all! I put up my mother’s tree and stuff at her house and that enough for me.

[@jennywaterswellness]

How sweet of you!

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

As mothers we think we have to do it all. Why? Probably because no one else will.😫😂 I have an autoimmune disease with chronic pain so I haven’t always been able to do what I want to. I’ve let some things slide and have given myself grace instead of feeling guilty every Christmas. My husband is very helpful but when it comes to gifts, decorating, baking, sending cards it’s always been me. When my son got older I didn’t worry as much. If the house isn’t decorated like I would like I just let it go. This year I suspect we will do more as our son is married now and they live with us. My daughter in law is amazing and I know she will be a huge help. We can always start new traditions.🥰

[@jennywaterswellness]

It does seem to fall to us. I’m sorry to hear about your autoimmune disease. My husband has rheumatoid arthritis and a couple others so I know how flares can affect your life. How wonderful to have your son and daughter in law to help! Give yourself grace and enjoy the season!

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

@@jennywaterswellnessthank you. RA is so painful.😥 I hope your husband is getting good care. I have Crohn’s disease, as well as arthritis and now diagnosed with Diabetes. I do my best but thankfully am kind to myself.🥰

[@MasteringMidlifeWithHeidi]

I wanna come play Minute to Win it with you all!! 😂

[@jennywaterswellness]

It’s so fun! I used to be a youth director and planned many game nights!😆

[@MasteringMidlifeWithHeidi]

@ That explains it! 😊

[@MELINDASSIMPLEBLESSINGS]

Subscribed

[@jennywaterswellness]

Thank you!

[@tjlarson6519]

I still send cards. I find personally the electronic thank yous and greetings very impersonal and lazy, but that's me. I keep the number of cards at a max of 75 and start in September and mail all of them before Thanksgiving. No letter included. Most of ALL of the recipients are not on social media

[@jennywaterswellness]

It sounds like you’ve found a good system that works for you!

[@Jelinofficial-sr1vf]

Nice 😊've subscribed 👍🤝😊

[@jennywaterswellness]

Thank you so much 😊

[@Jelinofficial-sr1vf]

@jennywaterswellness if you don't mind support me 🤝😊

[@Jelinofficial-sr1vf]

If you don't mind Support me 😊

[@Jelinofficial-sr1vf]

@jennywaterswellness you're welcome 🤝😊

[@cdh2328]

We’re so bombarded by advertising and led to believe that we have to buy, buy, buy to have the perfect Christmas. Baloney. Just stop it!

[@jennywaterswellness]

I stopped watching tv and unfollowed influencers so I don’t feel this pressure as much anymore. We shouldn’t have to buy so much to enjoy the holidays!

[@wendysherbert3257]

HABITS

[@jennywaterswellness]

Get my free Habit Cheat Sheet: jennywaterswellness.com/easyhabits

[@LKVince11]

Im 52. I hope before Im 60 that cards become a thing of the past. That is my responsibility as the wife. I work full time and dread having to deal with the cards.

[@jennywaterswellness]

It’s a lot more work than people realize!

[@Maeve2001]

For some reason I can only hear you out of one speaker. ….

[@jennywaterswellness]

Hmm I’m not sure why. I’ll check into it for the next video.

[@Maeve2001]

@ great content though

[@fransak2723]

Me too!

[@katsgram6671]

Same here!

[@samueljaramillo4221]

Make everything perfect? Nothing is perfect. The word perfect should not exist. Why do you need to have traditions? The stress you have you create yourself. Just enjoy the holidays.

[@jennywaterswellness]

I’ve definitely adjusted traditions for less stress and more joy!

[@mycharles3340]

Wow what a snooz 😮

[@jennywaterswellness]

Thanks for watching!😀

[@monkeytennis7477]

Thanksgiving and Christmas both, hold very sad distressing memories for me. I'm not obligated to celebrate either one due to having no kids or spouse, so I do the Festivus thing instead, whatever I decide to do or not do is up to me. I also do not like being made to feel guilty by co-workers for not celebrating, especially the Secret Santa thing which is ridiculous. We are all adults, why do we have to do Secret Santa? It's a load of BS. Festivus For The Rest Of Us. 🤨🤬💯

[@jennywaterswellness]

I’m sorry the holidays hold bad memories. It sounds like you’re taking care of yourself! I’m with you on the secret Santa stuff!

[@mamabear1135]

Moms need to start delegating to people instead of doing everything themselves. Let the kids and the husbands do the cooking and the wrapping and the decorating. Get everybody involved.

[@jennywaterswellness]

Yes! I agree!

[@dianalama1591]

Habit

[@jennywaterswellness]

You can get my free Habit Cheat Sheet: jennywaterswellness.com/easyhabits

[@carolentringer8836]

Habits

[@jennywaterswellness]

Grab my free Habit Cheat Sheet: jennywaterswellness.com/easyhabits

[@juliegrossman3733]

habits

[@jennywaterswellness]

You can get my free Habit Cheat Sheet: jennywaterswellness.com/easyhabits

[@lindahobson7136]

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

[@jennywaterswellness]

Enjoy the season!

[@marthamalone9791]

I also have Celiac Disease. Do you have any recommendations on pre-prepared gluten free items.

[@marianheadington5316]

Habits

[@jennywaterswellness]

Grab my free Habit Cheat Sheet: jennywaterswellness.com/easyhabits

[@jolenepulse1949]

Habits

[@jennywaterswellness]

Get my free Habit Cheat Sheet: jennywaterswellness.com/easyhabits

[@lisaroberts1729]

Habits

[@jennywaterswellness]

Get my free Habit Cheat Sheet: jennywaterswellness.com/easyhabits

[@herbmamasujaiatpeacefulwel8569]

Habits

[@jennywaterswellness]

You can get my free Habit Cheat Sheet: jennywaterswellness.com/easyhabits

[@LizOndik]

Habits

[@jennywaterswellness]

You can get my free Habit Cheat Sheet: jennywaterswellness.com/easyhabits

[@pamelaannederson]

Habits

[@jennywaterswellness]

You can get my free Habit Cheat Sheet: jennywaterswellness.com/easyhabits

[@loriegibson4341]

Habits

[@jennywaterswellness]

You can get my free Habit Cheat Sheet: jennywaterswellness.com/easyhabits