Rethinking Holiday To-Dos

Trade overwhelm for intention this season ✨, CraftDoodling Designs News etc.

I’m recycling an older post this week, one that still feels relevant as we move into another busy holiday season. When I reread it, the reminders felt just as timely, so I decided to share it again.

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Last weekend, we hosted a small get-together to celebrate Diwali. The evening was beautifully spent with extended family and friends, sharing a light meal and enjoying lovely conversations. I am delighted we took the time to organize this event. 🪔

In the past, I put a lot of pressure on myself around holiday preparations. I used to begin planning weeks in advance, crafting unrealistic to-do lists 📋, and stressing over minor details for hours on end. The holiday shopping and special cooking only added to my overwhelm. At some point, I began to dread these occasions.

Often we go through life living out societal or cultural expectations, ignoring what our bodies and minds really need. Holiday times are a prime example of this.

Do certain tasks automatically get added to your list just because it’s a holiday? Let me know in the comments! ♥️

I have been invited to places where one guest or the other confides in me about how they are not able to find time to celebrate and host people. It really is not a competition. It shouldn’t be.

I don’t know if you have noticed, but now there are more holidays than ever! Even some lesser known holidays have been blown out of proportion by product companies to sell us even more stuff we don’t need.

Here are some thoughts I want to share today:

✔️ It’s okay to choose to celebrate only those holidays that speak to you. It’s okay to skip others or celebrate more modestly.
✔️ It’s okay to adjust holiday traditions here and there to suit your current lifestyle and context. In fact, the only way to keep traditions alive is to allow for some flexibility. If we don’t, they can become stagnant and stale.
✔️ It’s okay to plan holidays in a way that’s meaningful and enjoyable for you and your loved ones, rather than checking off random to-do lists driven by someone else’s expectations.
✔️ It’s okay to give or receive a not-so-perfect gift. 🎁 It’s okay to forget someone’s gift or have someone forget yours. We’ve all been there.
✔️ What truly matters is connecting with those we love. 💗
✔️ It’s about pausing and reflecting on life.
✔️ It’s time to let go of what doesn’t help us and welcome what we truly enjoy.
✔️ And it’s absolutely time to rest and relax.

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CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES

1. Reshma and Soie Kerchief pattern testing is underway. Many thanks to everyone who offered to help test the pattern. The mini shawl collection will be released in the new year.

   

   Reshma & Soie Kerchief - Currently under testing

2. Latha Cardigan is coming along nicely. I have knitted a bit more after this picture was taken, but the cardigan still lacks sleeves, hem and button bands.

   

   Latha Cardigan - Design in progress

   I am using Fjord Tweed Fingering (89% American Merino/Rambouillet and 11% acrylic/rayon) from SeaChange Fibers and is one of the softest ever I’ve worked with. I had bought a sweater quantity of this yarn in 2024 at Lambtown. Last October, I had the chance to meet Sara at her booth again and show the WIP. ❤️

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READING UPDATES

Finished Reading 📖

The Break-In - Katherine Faulkner

Currently Reading 📖

Sharp Force - Patricia Cornwell

Made to stick - Chip Heath & Dan Heath

Until next time,

Kavitha. ♡

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