Use the tactics below when planning your holiday festivities.
Ah, the holidays – a time that’s supposed to be all about the magic and wonder. But let’s be real, it’s often a stressful season, especially for moms who carry the load of holiday prep. That’s why this year, we’re going to prioritize our well-being. Check out these tips to keep things merry and bright without the added stress!
Delegate
The mere mention of this word may upset you control freaks. However, if you want to enjoy your holidays and avoid burnout, it’s time to call in some help. Share the load by delegating some tasks to your crew. If you’re feeling extra generous, try the ‘Fair Play’ approach. Write down all the tasks on your holiday to-do list and let your family members take a swing at them. Sure, you might have a few must-do tasks, so own them. But loosen the grip on perfectionism and embrace the fact that there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Let others handle things in their way. Worst case scenario? You can always fix it later if it’s driving you nuts.
Don’t Let the Perfect be the Enemy of the Good
My girl, Gretchen Rubin, turned me on to this gem of a phrase and I use it often to stop me from going overboard. When delegating tasks, this is especially important to keep in mind. It’s easy to get bogged down by the pursuit of flawlessness and forget to enjoy the ride. Sometimes, it’s okay to settle for “good enough” and move on. No one will notice or even care if you didn’t go above and beyond.
The holidays are a perfect example of this. Gift wrapping, decorating, and sending out cards can be overwhelming, but as long as the presents are covered, there’s some sparkle in the air, and cards arrive before the big day, you’re crushing it! So, let go of the pressure and take a deep breath.
Focus on a Few
During the holiday season, the abundance of activities and festivities can be overwhelming, leading to heightened stress levels. Why run yourself ragged trying to do it all? Instead, try focusing on the things that truly matter to you and your loved ones. Gather everyone around the fireplace and chat about what brings them joy and what they’d rather skip.
Trust me, trying to be everywhere at once will only make you a Grinch. So, embrace the things that light up your heart, and be present in the moment, without worrying about the next stop on your whirlwind tour.
Don’t be Afraid to Stop or Start Traditions
Sometimes the things that cause holiday stress are brought on by our inability to change. Take Christmas traditions, for instance. If your annual family routine involves trekking to a tree farm to chop down your Christmas tree, it’s easy to get sucked into the habit and forget to check if it’s still enjoyable. If your whole family adores this special time together and it’s the highlight of your holiday season, then by all means, keep it going!
But maybe the cost of trees has soared, your teen is working on weekends, and scheduling is a logistical nightmare. And even when you do set a date, the kids grumble and complain throughout the whole ordeal. Plus, your partner’s back is giving them grief, and the tree is perched up on the roof, demanding a superhero-level effort just to get it down. Once it’s finally up, your feline friends turn it into their personal jungle gym, leaving needles all over the place so you have to vacuum day and night. It’s official – nobody’s having a good time, and it’s time to bid farewell to that tradition.
Switch things up this year with a fresh twist on your old holiday traditions. How about, after your teen’s work shift, gather up the family for some hot cocoa, cookies, and a festive pre-lit tree to decorate together. Throw on a classic Christmas movie in the background or stick with the traditional Christmas tunes. To make it extra special, get a unique ornament for each family member or let everyone open up one small gift. You could even put out some crafty supplies to create your own ornaments or decor. Remember, making amazing memories and creating new traditions is what it’s all about!
Get Control of the Budget
Money is one of the top stresses for most families around the holidays. All that merry comes at a steep cost. Presents, food, clothing, decor, activities, travel expenses, etc. It can really add up. To help alleviate some of the monetary stress, think about the advice described above and how each can work to shrink your holiday expenditures.
Delegate – Always host the cousins’ gift swap? That requires time and money. Even if people bring things, you are still providing the bulk of the food and drink. Ask someone else to host this year or consider making it pot-luck style by assigning everyone a dish to bring.
Don’t let the Perfect be the Enemy of the Good – You send gorgeous Christmas cards every year and the cost reflects that. This year, money is tight and you’re trying to cut down on holiday spending. Save some cash by buying less expensive cards (scour the web for deals), or by sending a digital card to your list. Are your cards the best and most beautiful, maybe not. But you saved money, and they are done.
Focus on a Few – This one is too easy. The less you do this holiday season, the less it will cost you. In both time and money.
Don’t be Afraid to Stop and Start Traditions – If a pricey tradition is draining your wallet, give it a frugal facelift. Let’s say you’ve been shelling out for an epic light display every year. This time around, try scouting out free light shows nearby. Pack some piping hot cocoa, blast some yuletide tunes, and take a drive around town, ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the festive lights. Make it even more fun by playing holiday trivia or other games during the drive. Who needs splurges when you can have a blast on a budget?
I hope the tips above help you lead a festive and stress-free holiday. Let me know what things you delegated or how you created new traditions in the comments below. If you’re looking for some gift ideas for the holidays, click on over to The Neatest Nest 2023 Gift Guide for some inspiration.
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