I have a friend who said that, at forty, she stopped feeling bad.

It’s not that she didn’t care. In fact, she’s one of the most caring people I know.

It’s just that she stopped feeling bad about not caring about all those things she didn’t really care about.

(Have I lost you?)

She said that, at forty, she embraced the word “no” for the first time in her life.

And it felt good.

Really good.

She said she wished she stopped caring years ago.

And so, in honor of my dear friend, I declared a Year of Nope.

It felt strange at first, but it also felt really, really good.

And then, this year, I read a fantastic book that reiterated everything my friend said.

Here’s the thing: When you learn to say “no” to those things that don’t matter, you enjoy your “yeses” much, much more.

And that is why I think that- if you haven’t already- you need to learn to say “no” this holiday season.

Learn to Say “No” This Holiday Season

Today, I’m sharing resources and strategies for those that are still learning to embrace “nope,” and I hope they help you to have a wonderful holiday season!

The Homeschool Sisters chat with Melissa Camara Wilkins: Learn to say NO this holiday season

The holidays are here and if, like us, you are feeling just a *little* behind, grab a giant cup of coffee or tea and curl up with this episode! The sisters are joined by Melissa Camara Wilkins, mama of six, writer, homeschooler, and the sisters’ favorite resource for living simply and authentically.

Listen as Melissa shares two questions she asks herself and her family each season to bring joy instead of overwhelm, and as Melissa, Cait, and Kara share their favorite EASY traditions.

Don’t freak out sisters- you’ve got this season!

Listen to You Don’t Have to Do All The Things: A Special Holiday Episode with Melissa Camara Wilkins {S1E13}

Listen to the episode by clicking the image below, and you can read the show notes with all resources mentioned here.

Click on the above image to listen to the episode!

I honestly believe you can make the holiday season magical with these three things:

You don’t need all the fuss. You just need:

1. Twinkle lights
2. Hot cocoa
3. A library bag filled with holiday favorites

Here are some of our family’s favorite holiday reads:

Would you like to learn to say No this holiday season?

If so, check out these related articles:

• Resource Page: The Space Between
• The Space Between: The Luxury of Discovering Your Own Happiness
• The Year of NOPE

And here’s a recent guest post from Melissa Camara Wilkins:

• How to Play Games with a Toddler Underfoot

Follow The Homeschool Sisters Podcast

Now, it’s your turn. Tell me: Have you learned to say no? How do you handle the holiday season? Share here.