This post is written by contributor Chelsea Becker

Looking back to years prior, it’s pretty insane the pressure I put on myself (and those around me, to be honest) during the holidays. From attending every event to buying presents for everyone to hosting and stressing myself out because I actually hate cooking, etc etc etc. I don’t know what it, but this year I kinda want to say f*ck it. I’m still excited to celebrate the holidays and to spend time with family and friends, but all the *extra* feels fake and exhausting to me right now. With that, here’s what I’m NOT doing this holiday season:

Worrying too much about dietary restrictions

We’re hosting Thanksgiving again this year and last year I really stressed myself out trying to accommodate my picky brother, my gluten-free sister-in-law, my traditional father, and my vegetarian brother-in-law. I mean, we had SO much food because we made duplicates of so many dishes (GF stuffing, meatless gravy, etc.). This year, I’m making the basics and I’ve asked those with intolerances to bring anything they’re dying for. I’ll still have plenty of food depending on what someone doesn’t eat, but I’m not driving myself insane – or wasting as much food.

Buying my baby presents

Our son is 7 months and he’ll be just about 9 months at Christmas…which means he won’t remember any of it. Instead of adding to the plastic toy/wrapping paper issue or stuffing our house with toys because the calendar tells me to, we’ve chosen to skip gifts for him this year. Instead, we’ll be having a lazy Christmas morning in our pajamas and enjoying each other’s company.

Drinking too much

I’m not a big drinker but I definitely fall into the trap of “if everyone else is…”. And during the holidays, most people like to up the wine or holiday cocktails (ZERO judgments, just not my thing usually). Instead of drinking just because, I want to be more conscious about when I choose to drink.

Stressing over linens

Last year, I remember running around like a crazy person the day before Thanksgiving trying to find matching linens for 20 people. Mind you, I was pregnant and trying to prep food for those same 15 people for the following day – and I was sick. Madness! And why? I don’t even think I got a picture for Instagram! This year, I’ll be pulling out whatever I can find around the house – mismatched serving dishes and all. At the end of the day, my family doesn’t care and I don’t either.

Do I sound like The Grinch yet? Ha! I’d love to hear if you’re in the same boat, though. Is there anything you don’t want to do this holiday season?