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    Home » Blog » Holiday Season

    JOMO: 35 Things To Abandon For A Happy Holiday Season

    Published: Nov 14, 2023 by Zina Harrington · Post may contain affiliate links

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    This Christmas season, celebrate the joy of missing out (JOMO) — a deliberate choice to step off the hamster wheel of holiday chaos.

    A woman enjoying the JOMO, standing in front of a Christmas tree with candy canes in her back jean pocket.

    In the embrace of winter's darkness, a quiet wisdom exists — a wisdom that whispers of the joy found in missing out, the art of slowing down, and the profound warmth of connection during the holiday season.

    In a world that constantly races faster, the art of intentional living is a profound act of rebellion — a rebellion against the relentless hustle, against the notion that more is always better, against the fear of missing out (FOMO) and keeping up with the Joneses.

    Joy Of Missing Out (JOMO)

    This year, join us in celebrating the joy of missing out —a deliberate choice to step off the hamster wheel of holiday chaos and savor the sweetness of simplicity.

    Below is a different kind of Christmas bucket list— it includes thirty-five gentle reminders to let go of the unnecessary this holiday season.

    The following quote shared over an image of a gently lit Christmas tree, "Christmas will come and go regardless. What we choose to do with the season while it's here is up to us. Choose wisely."

    35 Things To Abandon For A Happy Holiday Season

    Abandon the quest for the perfect tree and embrace the imperfect beauty of a locally sourced or potted tree.

    Release the obligation to attend every holiday event; prioritize quality time with loved ones instead.

    A woman enjoying the JOMO, holding a coffee cup with holiday lights behind her. The following quote is overtop the image, "I plan to be busy this holiday season, but not in the way most people accept. I'll be busy finding my courage and calming my nerves. I'll be busy making meaningful connections with the people I love, despite current circumstances. I'll be busy celebrating the beauty of the everyday during this dark season. I'll be busy getting in touch with what is real in this world. I will be busy being present in my life."

    Ditch the idea of a grand, multi-course holiday feast; opt for a cozy, minimalist meal with quality over quantity.

    Say goodbye to the overwhelming holiday shopping list; focus on meaningful, thoughtful gifts for a select few.

    Let go of the pressure to host or attend lavish holiday parties; opt for intimate gatherings with close friends and family instead.

    Release the pressure to have a picture-perfect holiday outfit; embrace comfort and authenticity in your attire.

    Let go of the need for an abundance of wrapped gifts; consider alternative, eco-friendly wrapping options.

    Say goodbye to the tradition of in-person Black Friday shopping madness; embrace mindful, intentional gift purchases.

    • 11 ideas for simplifying the holiday season to give more but buy less #BecomingUnBusy *Loving this list of ideas and this site
      How to Simplify the Holidays by Buying Less but Giving More
    • 3 Ways to Embrace Simplicity In A Culture Of Excess #becomingunbusy *Loving this post and site
      Embracing Simplicity In A Culture Of Excess

    Let go of the urge to keep up with the Jones' extravagant decorations; embrace minimal, sustainable decor instead.

    Abandon the idea of keeping up with the latest holiday trends; relish timeless traditions that hold personal meaning.

    Let go of the stress of creating a flawless holiday centerpiece; opt for a modest, nature-inspired arrangement.

    Release the pressure to participate in every holiday-themed activity; prioritize moments of quiet reflection instead.

    A photo of a woman holding a holiday coffee mug with the following quote overtop the image, "May you have the courage this season to break the patterns in life your life that are no longer serving you. Give yourself permission during this chaotic time to pause and reflect. And always remember, taking care of yourself doesn't mean "me first;" it means "me too.""

    Say goodbye to the notion of hosting or attending multiple holiday dinners; focus on creating one meaningful, shared meal with the people you love most in this world.

    Let go of the tradition of excessive holiday baking; choose a few cherished recipes to enjoy mindfully.

    Say goodbye to the expectation of a perfectly timed and coordinated family photo; embrace candid, authentic shots.

    Release the need to keep up with an elaborate advent calendar; savor daily moments of gratitude instead.

    Abandon the tradition of sending mass-produced holiday cards; opt for heartfelt, personalized text messages or phone calls to a chosen few.

    A photo of a woman holding a list with the following quote over top, "Hey friend, I promise that if I were the kind of person who sends Christmas cards, I would send you one. If you think you're not on the list, just know there is no list."

    Abandon the practice of gifting for the sake of obligation; focus on meaningful gestures from the heart.

    Let go of the pressure to match every gift received with an equally grand gesture; cherish the sentiment behind each present.

    Abandon the tradition of buying new holiday-themed clothing; enjoy the festivities in comfortable, well-loved attire.

    Abandon the tradition of excessive holiday travel for family gatherings; find joy in the simplicity of celebrating close to home.

    A photo of a Santa coffee mug with the following quote over top, "It's okay to say no if you don't want to do it. No, if you're already over scheduled. No, if you don't have time. No, if you feel forced to say yes. No, if it doesn't make you  happy. No, if you'd rather relax. It's okay to say no."

    Abandon the rush to capture every moment on camera; savor the experience without constant documentation.

    Let go of the expectation to have a perfectly organized and clutter-free home; embrace the coziness of a lived-in space.

    Abandon the tradition of holiday light displays; appreciate the beauty of a starlit night sky instead.

    Say goodbye to the pressure to create intricate handmade gifts; opt for simplicity and thoughtfulness.

    Let go of the pressure to participate in every community holiday event; prioritize rest, recovery, and reflection.

    A woman holding a coffee mug with holiday lights in the background with the following quote over top, "Destroy the idea that you and your family have to be constantly busy in order to have a memorable Christmas. Embrace the concept that rest, recovery, and reflection are essential parts of making the season peaceful and ultimately happy."

    Let go of the tradition of exchanging excessive stocking stuffers; focus on a few thoughtful, meaningful items.

    Abandon the expectation of a perfectly timed and executed holiday travel itinerary; embrace spontaneity and flexibility.

    Say goodbye to the race for the latest and greatest holiday tech gadgets; appreciate the simplicity of analog pleasures.

    • A woman holding an analog record.
      Embracing An Analog Lifestyle In A World Gone Digital
    • Benefits of Puzzles: 3 Science-Backed Benefits of Puzzling

    Let go of the pressure to capture the perfect holiday selfie; savor the moments without the lens.

    Abandon the practice of spending excessive time on holiday-themed social media; prioritize in-person connections.

    Say goodbye to the tradition of hosting a large, elaborate family gathering; opt for a smaller, more intimate affair.

    Release the expectation of a perfectly clean and organized home throughout the holiday season; embrace the beauty of imperfection.

    Abandon the pressure to uphold every holiday tradition; choose the ones that truly resonate with you and your loved ones.

    A young girl looking out a window with the following quote over top, "A joyful, simple, relaxing holiday will follow when Christmas is celebrated in a way that allows us to be present with the ones we love most."

    This holiday season, rediscovering the joy of simplicity, connection, and the often-overlooked magic of missing out.

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    Portrait of Becoming UnBusy founder, Zina Harrington

    Hi, I'm Zina.
    I believe overwhelm and busy get in the way of finding time for what really matters in life. I help women unclutter, make space, and design a simple and slow life. Let's de-crapify your world → Ready to reset?

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