No.

~ Fridgesays

To quote Hamlet, act 3, scene 3, line 87

We are on the cusp of a consumer crazy season. Of crackers with plastic and wrappings that nobody wants, that are often abandoned on the table long after the plates have been clearer away. Perhaps of saying thank you for gifts that lack thoughts, need or joy.

I know this post isn’t my usual sparkly positive self. Don’t despair, I’m about to flip it around but before I do I want to empower you with the word No. (As a Teacher and a Mum I feel Hamlet needs to add the words ‘thank you’ after his quote). Balance in life is crucial for physical and mental wellbeing. I’ve written many posts about ‘yes’ – to opportunities, change and adventure that so many of us hide from in daily life. I’m a fan honestly.

However, December seems to bring excess and anxiety for things we don’t want to do.

If you feel at all doubtful, listen to your instinct and say No.

  • Say No to buying gifts for that awkward Aunt or Uncle that you feel obliged to because they buy for you. It only takes a quick awkward phone call to release everyone of this burden for many Christmas’s to come
  • You don’t need to eat everything you’re offered
  • you can say no to sprouts.
  • You don’t need to attend that party that makes you feel anxious.
  • You don’t have to wear anything you don’t want to. I am the proud owner of zero Christmas jumpers.
  • Christmas doesn’t mean ‘spend money you don’t have’ say No.

Make sure the traditions you and your family participate in bring joy, love and a sense of fun…not awkward social events. Don’t become one of the three kings that bought guilt, anxiety and fear. Many of the innkeepers said No and it led to a way cooler version of Christmas. Baby Jesus born in a stable gathered by animals is all the better for its simplicity.

Saying No doesn’t need to be negative, it’s in fact a tool that can bring a huge amount of joy and relief. Balance is where joy and happiness can be fully embraced. This holiday season say yes to things that make you warm and smile, politely decline things your instinct tells you will add stress, keep the holiday season simple and stay present in all you do. It’s a recipe for the perfect Christmas.

25 thoughts on “No.”

  1. Haha that’s great! Although I must admit that I’ve become a sprouts convert in my older age. When cooked well they’re lush. (Either stir fried in coconut oil or with garlic butter and bacon)

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  2. Ha, my husband loves sprouts, he has even been eating sprout flavour crisps this week, myself, I can’t stand them, merry Christmas#satsaesh@_karendennis

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  3. Perfectly put, thank you! Our Christmases are always quite low-key affairs, and that suits me/us pretty well. If we had family members that we were closer to it would have been nice to make more of that, but it easily becomes over the top, as you say, with too much spending on things which often lack genuine thought and meaning xx #thesatsesh

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  5. I love this reminder to say no to things. I will continue to say no to Christmas jumpers. And to sprouts. And to turkey. And to Christmas cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding.
    However, I will say yes to Christmas booze, chocolates and fairy lights.
    ….lots and lots of fairy lights
    #thesatsesh

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  7. This is good advice. My sister invited me and Cygnet to theirs for Christmas. It was a lovely offer and it would have been a lovely day had her in-laws not been invited too. They are difficult when they are on their own, but when they are together it is even more awkward. They are separated and I don’t know why my sister has decided she should invited both of them together – they barely talk to each other. Anyway, I decided that I didn’t want to join in this awkwardness. I was really nervous about declining my sister’s offer but finally plucked up the courage to say no. She is fine with it, and totally understands. Sometimes saying no isn’t as tough as you think it will be. pen xx

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  10. I went shopping yesterday, at first it was fun, but it lead to someone wanting to have a tantrum, that someone was me! It left me feeling down about money and just stressed. Thanks for the reminder that what really matters is those precious family moments! #ABloggingGoodTime

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  12. Although right now the linky isn’t up for this week, I wanted to let you know you this was my fav post from last weeks #ABloggingGoodTime I’ve posted it in our Facebook group and on Twitter xx

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  13. Yes to saying no – see what I’ve done there Lucy?! Hee hee. I am definitely getting better at saying no and totally agree that this month of excess is all the better (for us and the environment if we just calm it down a little) xx #thesatsesh (sorry I don’t know how I missed your posts last week – I did all the others xx)

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  14. Pingback: Getting up and moving forward is a choice | Whatmyfridgesays

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