Holidays Archives | Arner Adventures

Quick and Easy Mindful Meditation

During the hustle bustle of the holiday season, it can be easy to overlook our self-care. If you don’t carve out time, or make it a daily ritual or practice, you may find that there is no way you can make more time in your busy schedule to meditate, or take deep breaths, but trust me (Gerry), you do. Even a quick and easy mindful meditation can go a long way with reducing stress and anxiety.

It was a couple of years ago, during a therapy session that I was taught this quick and easy mindful meditation. I practice different variations of this, and Shannon has talked about how she makes this meditation a daily practice in the mornings on her walks with Betty White. We call it our, “5, 4, 3, 2, 1 meditation” and it can be used at any time that you feel disconnected, or when you simply want to have a mindfulness practice. Anyone, and I mean, anyone can meditate, and this practice proves it.

Steps for the Easy Mindful Meditation

Find a quiet spot, even if it is in your parked car, away from everyone. Go through each of the following steps. This meditation practice allows you to focus on your senses.

5– Find 5 things that you can see and say them aloud. For example, it may be a bird, a tree, a passing car, a cloud, a person walking across the street.
4– Find 4 things that you can hear and say them aloud. Example: a car driving by, people talking nearby, music coming from somewhere unidentified, a dog barking.
3– Find 3 things that you can feel and say them aloud. Example: the piece of clothing you are wearing, wood on a dock you are standing near, wind on your face.
2– Find 2 things you can smell and say them aloud. Example: honeysuckle in the breeze, lotion or a fragrance from someone nearby.
1– Find 1 thing you can taste and say it aloud. Example: the salt on your lips from standing near the ocean (or from the chips you had at lunch). 🙂

It never fails, after this practice, whatever thoughts I had that were creating fear, or anxiety, have gone away, and I am able to appreciate the things I have identified in this practice.

This holiday season, or any time of year, I hope that this meditation practice that brings so much to us, helps you. After all, Harvard research shows that meditation is often more beneficial than a vacation! If you think this would be of some help to someone, feel free to share it. Let us know if it helped you!

In Holidays Minimalist Lifestyle ·

How To Watch Christmas Movies & TV Shows Without Having Cable

Most people have at least one Christmas special they are fond of. Sadly, just about all of those programs aired in a time when everyone was tethered to a cord. Fortunately, many of those beloved specials have found new homes on streaming platforms, which for those of you trying to save money, is significantly better value than paying for cable. Last year, we talked about our fondness for Hallmark and ways to stream those holiday Hallmark movies we all predict, but love.
We’ve listed a rundown of some fantastic movies and shows available to stream to get you in the festive mood!

The Simpsons, “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” (1989)

Our list begins with a benchmark of primetime animation, The Simpsons. It just so happens that Matt Groening and company were smart enough to double-dip on a strong opening by having the first episode of this animated series double as a Christmas special. The premise of this episode involves Homer picking up extra work as a mall Santa and eventually winds up with Bart and Homer at the dog track, coming home with a new family pet.

Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire and the rest of the Simpsons episode catalog is available for streaming on DirecTV, Disney+, Fox, fuboTV, FXNow, Hulu and Spectrum On Demand.

Home Alone (1990)

The film that made Macaulay Culkin a household name was popular enough to spawn several sequels, even trading out for younger actors as Culkin aged, a board game and even several video games. This one film is all about the sort of parental negligence that occurs when a large family plans a massive gathering and flight, leaving a child to fend for himself and to also defend his home from a pair of no-good crooks, even if the basement heater gives him serious anxiety. While many remember the various booby traps, we think that most forget how Kevin’s willingness to reach out to the elderly bogeyman of his neighborhood pays off when he sneaks up and incapacitates the burglars who finally grab Kevin.

Home Alone is available for streaming on HBO Max.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)

This may be a short but it has lived on and become one of those staple Christmas specials that most of us grew up watching multiple times, either at home or even in school right before the winter break. For the unfamiliar, this is exactly what you think it might be, a retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” but with all of the characters being played by Mickey Mouse and friends. While most people recognize Scrooge McDuck from this special, what with him having the same name as the main character of the Dickens play, Scrooge had been a Disney character since his creation in a Carl Barks comic back in the late 1940s.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol is exclusively available for streaming on Disney+.

Justice League, “Comfort and Joy” (2003)

This is a fun little episode that takes most of the core members of the Justice League and shows how each of them cuts back to enjoy the holidays. Superman brings Martian Manhunter over to spend Christmas with his adoptive parents, Hawkgirl and Green Lantern decide to go to a bar and enjoy a brawl and Flash and Ultra-Humanite decide to set aside their differences to bring joy to some children. While it seems odd that we see nothing of what Wonder Woman does during this time, Batman’s absence makes sense; Bruce Wayne rarely knows how to truly relax. Honestly, one of the best moments for us is when Martian Manhunter decides to embrace the moment, assume his native Martian form and perform some Martian singing because of what that singing symbolizes.

Comfort and Joy and the rest of the Justice League episode catalog are exclusively available for streaming on HBO Max.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

This is one of those specials that has been parodied and homaged countless times while remaining just as appreciable on its own. Charlie Brown spends the whole episode pondering the significance and meaning of the holiday despite being assaulted with commercialism from all sides. Of course, almost every family or gathering appropriately grows quiet once Linus says “lights, please” and retells the story of Jesus’s arrival into the world.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is exclusively available for streaming on Apple TV Plus.

Hey Arnold!, “Arnold’s Christmas” (1996)

We have never been able to make it through this episode without crying. The tenants of Arnold’s apartment complex engage in Secret Santa and Arnold winds up having to buy something for Mr. Hyunh. Relatively unfamiliar with the man, Arnold asks him what he likes and we get a heart-breaking tale about a South Vietnamese man giving up his baby girl to an American soldier whose helicopter only has room for one. Despite being given only the barest of details, Arnold decides to give Mr. Hyunh a truly special gift and seeks to reunite him with his daughter. This is an episode that definitely makes you feel good about humanity and even reminds us that some government employees really do care.

Arnold’s Christmas and the rest of the Hey Arnold episodes can be streamed on DirecTV, Hoopla, Hulu and Paramount+.

A Christmas Story (1983)

Without cable to give you access to a 24-hour marathon of this holiday staple, you may be worrying about how you might get a near obligatory viewing of this rose-tinted view of a past era around the holidays. Fortunately for us all, because this is one of our faves, this special known for the Red Ryder BB gun, being triple-dog dared into sticking your tongue to a frozen pole and the word “fudge” being tantamount to a swear, is available for streaming on HBO Max.

You can find many more resources for watching other faves, all times of year, via KilltheCableBill.com This resource has become a staple for us since cutting the cable cord years ago. We think you will find it useful, too! Let us know other ways you stream without cable. We’re all ears!

In Holidays hygge Minimalism minimalist decor Minimalist Lifestyle ·

Creating a Hygge Environment in Your Minimalist Home This Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us and, like many things this year, we are discovering new ways to celebrate, share and experience the spirit of the season. Recently, the Danish practice of “Hygge” has become a major trend. If you’re not familiar with the term, then you’re in for a treat! We’ve talked about the relationship between hygge and minimalism before, but now we want to connect the two during the holidays.

We’ll break down the concept and show you how you can incorporate it into your holiday season.

Let’s start with the definition.

What is hygge?

Hygge (pronounced hoo-geh) is a Danish word for feeling relaxed, cozy and content. Unlike other lifestyle trends that focus on things and aesthetics, hygge is about savoring and celebrating moments with friends and family and engaging in activities that are meaningful to you. Hygge is that fuzzy and warm feeling of blissful happiness that comes from the simplest things.

Danes have been ranked among the happiest people in the world for decades so we can definitely learn something from them!

Here’s how you can create a hygge-inspired space that you will enjoy and feel calm in this holiday season:

1. Master the warm hygge glow

With 17 hours of daily darkness in winter, Danes rely on warm illumination to create a hygge environment in their homes. It’s all about creating a welcoming and soothing vibe and you can do that with a few lighting tricks. Light up some candles with delicious holiday scents like pine, fig, cinnamon, cloves, sandalwood and chestnut to set the mood. Skip overhead lighting and use floor and table lamps instead, with warm white or soft white bulbs. If you like fairy lights, string them around your living room, dining table and balcony to make your home look more festive.

Creating a Hygge Environment in Your Minimalist Home This Holiday Season

2. Add soft textures

Textures add depth and are an easy and quick way to add instant coziness to your space. Toss blankets, pillows and rugs around our home, preferably made from snug fabrics such as linen, bamboo (such as sheets from Cozy Earth) and faux fur. Don’t be afraid to play with your space and add some warmth to your walls, too.

3. Be present

Hygge is much more than cozy décor, it demands total immersion in the present moment. This holiday, give yourself a chance to live beyond your digital presence by turning off your notifications and limiting your screen time. Allow yourself to connect with yourself, nature, and those around you.

4. Spend time with friends & family

Since the pandemic started, people have been more sentimental than ever about the holidays. Spending precious moments with loved ones is an excellent way to achieve hygge. If you can’t be with your family, try and spend time with the next-closest group of people to you.

5. Create holiday traditions

Holiday traditions bring hygge into the holiday season and are key to sustaining bonds and connections with loved ones. If you don’t have old cultural traditions, you can create your own.

Here are a few fun ideas to inspire you:

Make handmade ornaments and gifts together
Enjoy a picnic on the floor around the tree
Take a family hike
Go caroling around the neighborhood
Build a snow person
Have a movie marathon
Create your own family recipes
Write thank you notes to each other
Participate in charity drives

6. Make hygge foods

While comfort food is welcome all year round, it’s extra special in the wintertime. There’s just something about the smell of a steaming pot of soup or baking cookies that feels like home! Spoil your friends and family with winter happy meals such as hot chocolate, tea, cheesy toasts, creamy soups, porridges and pancakes. The goal is to indulge mindfully and express gratitude for having the opportunity to do so.

7. Have a hyggekrog

A hyggekrog is a cozy nook in your home where you can curl up under a warm blanket with a good book. Find a corner of your home with a comfy seating area, preferably with a view looking out to nature. Layer pillows and throws, add a warm lamp for soft lighting, and a side table to hold your favorite beverage.

8. Embrace simplicity

Lastly, remember that the hygge life is about ease, contentment, and comfort. While adding a few items to your home can help create a cozy environment, Hygge is about taking pleasure in the simplest things; seeing people smile, a good cup of coffee, the cackling sound from the fireplace, watching the sunset, a funny movie, and more.

Wrapping up

Hygge is the perfect antidote to the stress and fussiness associated with the holidays. The best part is you can make your home look and feel good without spending a ton of money, while creating lasting memories your loved ones will cherish forever.

So start planning how you can create a hygge home this holiday season and expect a fun, relaxing and wholesome experience!