Simplify the Holidays: Embracing a Minimum Standard of Care to Reduce Stress and Create Ease
As the calendar flips to November, the holiday season looms ahead like a festive freight train. You know it’s coming—the twinkling lights, the holiday music that seems to start playing before you’ve even finished your pumpkin spice latte, and the endless lists of things to do.
Imagine this: it’s November 1st, and your home is a blank canvas, but your mind is already racing with visions of half-decorated trees, a mountain of unwrapped gifts, and a dinner plan that’s still just a vague hope. You’re scrolling through Pinterest, wondering how your neighbors make it all look so easy while your kids are neck deep in Halloween trash. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by seasonal demands, consider a different approach: embracing a Minimum Standard of Care (MSC). By setting the bar low and focusing on what truly matters, you can foster a season filled with ease and balance for yourself and your household.
Incorporating concepts from Eve Rodsky’s Fair Play, we can also examine how to distribute responsibilities fairly during this busy time, ensuring everyone in the household contributes to a stress-free experience. Eve teaches about how important it is to establish an MSC in partnerships to prevent resentment and overwhelm. Let’s dive into it.
What Is a Minimum Standard of Care (MSC)?
The MSC concept means establishing baseline expectations for your personal care, household responsibilities, and holiday obligations. It’s a shift from “getting it all done” to “doing just enough” in a way that’s sustainable and keeps you grounded.
Personal MSC: Minimal daily practices that keep you feeling balanced and well.
Household MSC: The lowest level of tidiness and decor needed to feel comfortable.
Holiday MSC: Only the most meaningful and manageable holiday activities and events.
An MSC is not about cutting corners in a way that makes you feel worse—it’s about identifying what tasks will truly support your well-being and letting the rest be enough.
2. The Benefits of Setting a Low Bar for the Holidays
Reduces Overwhelm: By setting low, achievable expectations, you can avoid the pressure of holiday perfectionism.
Conserves Energy: Knowing you don’t have to go above and beyond allows you to reserve energy for what truly matters.
Supports Emotional Well-Being: The MSC approach aligns with self-compassion, helping you feel good about “enough” rather than pressured to do more.
3. How to Create Your Personal MSC
Personal Care MSC: Identify one or two practices you’ll commit to, such as a short morning stretch, a 5-minute meditation, or setting aside a few minutes of quiet time each evening. These practices help keep you centered and prevent burnout, even if they feel simple.
Household MSC: This might mean choosing to keep just one common area clutter-free, preparing easy meals, or deciding that “good enough” cleaning routines are all you need. A tidy entryway, for example, may be the one space you maintain so it feels welcoming without needing to clean the whole house.
Holiday MSC: Consider trimming down on the number of holiday gatherings, delegating tasks, or simplifying decor. Choose just one or two holiday traditions that feel special and let go of any that create stress.
4. Putting MSC into Practice for Yourself and Your Household
Simplify Decor: If decorating feels overwhelming, consider a single tree or one decorated mantle. Holiday spirit doesn’t rely on every room being festive!
Streamline Gift Giving: Opt for simple gift-giving ideas, such as family experiences, one meaningful gift per person, or even a gift exchange. Focusing on simplicity can reduce shopping stress and keep the holiday spirit alive without the clutter.
Set Boundaries Around Social Commitments: Feel free to limit gatherings to those that feel supportive or energizing rather than obligated. This is your season too, and it’s okay to say “no” when a gathering feels more draining than uplifting.
Tips for Holding Your MSC
Communicate with Loved Ones: Share your MSC approach with family members, helping them understand your choices for a simpler holiday.
Be Kind to Yourself: If you feel tempted to “do more,” gently remind yourself that your MSC is what you need this season.
Celebrate the Wins: Acknowledge the small ways this approach makes a difference, whether that’s feeling more relaxed or noticing more time to actually enjoy the holiday moments.
Conclusion
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of ease by embracing a Minimum Standard of Care. By integrating the principles of Fair Play, you can ensure that responsibilities are shared, making the season more enjoyable for everyone involved. It’s a practice that not only honors your well-being but also lets you enjoy a season filled with meaning and peace, not endless to-do lists. Your MSC can become the foundation of a holiday that truly feels good—because it’s one where “good enough” is more than enough. Try it out and see for yourself!