It’s that time of year again. The time of the year where everyone is focused on everything holiday season related. From decorations to presents to spending time with family and loved ones. You name it! But a lot of us, (myself included) are also focused on a lot of aspects that end up causing us stress.

From getting the perfect gift for loved ones, to having the time and money to afford all the little things associated with the holidays. Again, you name it! So this year I’ve decided to put extra thought into what I can provide. And without causing any unnecessary stress on myself! So here they are in case you want to try something different this year yourself!

My Time

Rather than spending money on my loved ones this year, I’ve decided to spend my time with and on them. Now don’t get me wrong, I think my loved ones deserve the money I spend on them! But this year has brought a lot of changes and our family doesn’t really have the money to spend as usual. But do you know what I do have to spare? Time.

No I don’t have a lot of time. Sometimes I can barely find any extra time in the day. But throughout this holiday season, I know I can at least find a couple extra hours to devote. Whether it’s meeting up to grab a bite or surprising a friend at their home. Whether it’s starting a new tradition or visiting a new spot together.

What I’ve realized in trying this is not only is it helping me out financially, but it’s improving my relationships with my loved ones! The extra effort I’m trying to put in is making me think more deeply about my relationships, how I can strengthen them, and what I can do for them. It’s really changed everything!

My Help

In my opinion, help is worth every bit of money someone is willing to give me. In all honesty, someone who is willing to take their time to help me out is worth more than money! So I’m hoping that by giving my help rather than spending my money I’ll be able to give to my loved ones just the same.

A lot of the time, I think about how great it would be if I could just get a little bit of extra help. Just someone who can help take over a task that I either don’t know how to do or just don’t have the time in a day to get to. And I know how much it would mean to me if someone offered me their help, and I can only hope it would mean the same to others.

Whether it’s helping house or pet-sit for a friend visiting family out of town or helping do things for others that they aren’t able to themselves. Whether it’s using my car to help someone move or watching a friends kid so they can have a simple date night. There are so many ways to offer help to loved ones. Even for free a lot of the time!

My Gratitude

As Thanksgiving was just last week, I’m still very much in the spirit of gratitude. But I also realized that being grateful is a lot different than showing someone my gratitude for them. And I know firsthand how great it feels when someone shows me gratitude and appreciation.

So this year I am choosing to go out of my way to show my loved ones how much I do truly appreciate them. Whether it’s sending them a handwritten card or a very long text depending on who you are. Whether it’s making someone their favorite meal or keeping tabs on an event they’re interested in for them.

Even if it’s buying a small gift that you can then personalize. The point is to not focus on the money you’re spending, but rather getting something that you can turn into something meaningful. For me, it’s showing someone how important they are to me! It’s letting them know I see and appreciate every little thing they do for me!

Tis’ The Season

What does the holiday season represent for you? How will you celebrate your family and loved ones? Share some of your ideas in the comments! You never know, you could be the one who changes someones entire holiday season from here on out! And if you’re looking for a few other fun and cheap ways to celebrate the season, check out ETM’s blog here.

Thank you so very much for being a part of ETM’s community of Mommas! I encourage you to join discussions, interact with Mommas alike, and be unapologetically yourself! Until next time, I hope I’m able to help make your life as simple as could be. (:

With all my love, Brandolyn – Earth to Momma