One of the best th8ings my wife and I ever did to improve the holiday season was to slow down and cut back.

It is so easy to fall into a "rat race" mentality.  Spend more than you can afford.  Do more than you have energy for. 

A couple of years ago my wife and I took a hard look at the way we were celebrating Christamas.  And it was a little disconcerting to realize that plain old materialism was at the core of our celebration.  We decided to cut back the next year.  Our plan was to increase each child's birthday gifts, while cutting back for Christmas. 

So through the year we made each child's birthday a "blow out."  And this part of our plan was a hit with our family.  Then as Christmas approached, we (somewhat nervously) explained to our kids that this Christmas would be less material oriented and more service oriented.  As Christmas came closer, my wife and I were a lot less frazzled.  We were not out all hours searching for just one more gift.  Our shopping was done early on.  But we were worried if the kids would go for a simpler Christmas. 

With the extra time we had, we involved the kids in Christmas service projects: cookies for the elderly in our neighborhood, Secret Santa projects, visiting shut ins. 

And you know what?  We all felt the Christmas Spirit more than ever before.  There were the tradition Christmas morning gifts--but not to excess. 

So I offer this idea to anyuone who would like to try it.  It worked for our family.

Best holiday wishes

--John

www.byjohnallen.com