I choose to focus on what rejuvenates the season for me. Instead of going all out with decorating, I have downsized. I don’t put up a tree (mainly because Goldie will see it as a giant playground). I gave my tree to a local church about a year ago. Instead, I focus on decorating only as long as it is fun. I put lights in my windows and an outside bush. The sun sets around 4:30p this time of year, so the colorful lights cheer up the long nights. I try for a more natural look with my interior decorations. I am deeply connected to nature. Bringing that dimension into my holiday decorations adds to the season’s meaning. I also observe the holidays I find meaningful without getting upset at those who observe other celebrations. I redesigned my holiday music playlist to include only songs that have meaning to me. There are no songs about the birth of a deity I don’t worship or stories I don’t believe in. There are no checklists of things to do during this season. I bake, but only when I feel like it until it stops being fun. Finally, instead of sending holiday cards, I send thank you cards. I write a few at a time and mail them throughout December and January.