10 Tips to De-Stress Your Holiday Season
If you’re one of those people who go all out for the holidays—host a big party, get gifts for everyone, brings tons of food to family parties—then you know how stressful the holidays can be, especially if you’re not getting much help from your family and friends. Well, you’re in luck because I’ve compiled a list to help you destress your normal routine so you can enjoy the holidays like everyone else.
-Taylor Connell
Make a List (and check it twice)
While mental lists are great, it’s better to write it down. This way you won’t forget anything, and you’ll be able to add or remove things as you decide what’s important. You’ll also have everything in one place, which is helpful for those of you who have more than one list.
Make Less Commitments
This may seem harsh or un-jolly, but remember, the holidays aren’t about going to every single holiday party you’re invited to. So, when you get an invite from your old neighbor whose house smells like cats, kindly tell them you won’t be able to make it this year.
Plan It Out
Make a calendar or schedule with all the events you want to go to. With a calendar you’ll be able to prioritize and mark time for shopping, cleaning, decorating, cooking, etc. And remember, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, the holidays are about quality not quantity.
Also, don’t wait till the last minute to go gift shopping. Take advantage of deals and online shopping, there are so many websites that have holiday gift guides that are super helpful.
Make a Budget
Take some time to write out a budget of all the things you know you’ll need. This is a great time to make a list of people you need gifts for. Instead of picking the gift then noting the price, make groups of people and designate them a maximum amount. For example, if you like to get a little something for people at the office, group them together and limit their gifts to $10-15 each. This way if you spend less, you’ll have extra money left over at the end that you otherwise wouldn’t have.
Other things to consider in your budget is wrapping paper, food and beverages, Christmas decorations you may need to replace, cards, etc.
Fall Cleaning
We all know about Spring cleaning, but why has no one ever thought of Fall cleaning? Just think of all the clutter you get rid of in the Spring. Not only will you now have less to clean in the Spring, but you’ll also have less to deal with in the Winter. We’re all stuck in our houses for the majority of the cold season, so why not make your house less cramped?
Ask for Help
There’s no harm in asking for a little help, we all need it sometimes. The holidays are especially hard to do on your own, so call up your mom to help with decorating or your dad to help you cut down a tree. Ask a friend to watch your kids so you can go shopping, then watch their kids when they need to go. Ask your roommate or partner to help tidy and keep things neat. If you have kids, ask them to help with the dishes or other chores. You’ll notice that with just a little help, you’ll be able to fly through your to-do lists.
Stay Healthy
Drink lots of water and wash your hands often, or get yourself some hand sanitizer. It’s never fun getting sick, and it’s even less fun around the holidays. So stay active, eat healthy, drink lots of fluids, keep your hands clean, take some vitamin C, and get plenty of sleep.
Take Some You Time
Aside from getting enough sleep, it’s also important for you to take some time for yourself over the holidays. Get cozy with a big warm blanket and a cup of hot cocoa, plop yourself down on the couch and watch some Christmas specials. If you’re one of those people who loves doing Christmasy activities, then check out this list!
Give Back
Everyone knows the holidays aren’t about presents, but it’s always good to give back. Whether you donate toys your kids no longer play with, your old mittens and jackets, or simply help your neighbor shovel out their car or shovel their driveway and walkway, giving back will make others’ holidays that much more special.
Remember What the Holidays are All About
Throughout the holiday season, keep in mind what the holidays are all about because they’re not about the holiday parties or the gifts you give, and they’re not about making everyone around you happy while you struggle to keep it together. The holidays are about spending time with those who are so very close to your heart, about giving without the expectation of receiving, and about embracing the holiday spirit.
The last thing you want is to wake up on January first and wonder where the season went. So be intentional during this holiday season, slow down and decide what’s really important to you, and really think about how you want this year to end.
I hope these tips will help make your holidays merry and stress-free. Enjoy yourself, enjoy your family, enjoy your friends, and enjoy the holiday season!
Your personal Christmas elf,
Taylor Connell