When in Doubt, Choose Simplicity

Categories: Parenting & Families

During the holiday season when everything around us screams out, "more, more, more!", it is especially helpful to seek out those still, small voices that say, "simple is best".  Yes, those voices do exist, as I was reminded when I heard a favorite tune on WNKU radio today. "Too Much Stuff" by Delbert McClinton can be found on his CD titled One of the Fortunate Few, and if you listen closely you will discover John Prine and Lyle Lovett on backup vocals.  Anyway, "Too Much Stuff" sums up my sentiments, exactly.

Which brings me back to simplicity, and holidays, and the challenge of blending those ideas together, against the odds.  Here are a few titles that might help you to aim for a little sanity in your own household. 

Living Simply with Children by Marie Sherlock

Simple Pleasures for the Holidays by Susannah Seton

What Kids Really Want That Money Can't Buy by Betsy Taylor

Affluenza by John DeGraff, also on DVD: Affluenza and Escape from Affluenza

Freedom comes when you realize that the standard, commercial vision of how the holidays 'should' be celebrated is not a script, but instead is just one option.  Ideally, you get to choose your own traditions and your own level of frenzy.  When in doubt, choose simplicity.