Simplify the Season
I love holidays! A house filled with family, laughter, special meals, and storytelling. However, I find this time of year stressful, especially so this year as our house is part of a Christmas house tour. If you are like me, let me share how I plan to get through the holidays.
Define What Matters
Take a step back and think about what makes the holidays special for you. Is it spending time with loved ones, indulging in delicious meals, or simply relaxing at home with your favorite holiday movies? Write down the top three things you value most. Let this list guide your priorities and eliminate anything that doesn’t serve your version of a joyful holiday.
For example, I used to make a photo Christmas card every year but stopped doing this a few years ago as I did not enjoy the process, it was tedious and time-consuming. I also used to decorate my house from top to bottom but now do much less focusing on those holiday decorations that are special to me and have eliminated a lot of the extra “stuff.” Not only did this reduce my stress before the holidays but also after as there is not as much to put away.
Consider Outsourcing
One of the best ways to reduce holiday stress is to delegate. This does not have to be fancy and can come in many forms.
Grocery Shopping: I don’t normally order my groceries online but during the holidays this can be a major time saver and stress reliever as you don’t have to fight the crowds.
Cooking: If you are hosting a holiday dinner, avoid the desire to overdo it. Pick recipes that are tried and true. Assign a side dish, appetizer, or dessert to your guests. They will be happy to help! Another strategy is replacing a home-cooked meal with dining out. I plan to do that this holiday season and by doing so, I am supporting local restaurants with the advantage of no post-meal clean-up!
Gift giving: For those who live far away and whom you won’t see during the holidays, consider sending a gift basket instead of shopping, wrapping, and shipping a gift. As an alternative, shop online and choose the gift wrap option offered by the retailer and ship directly.
By outsourcing, you free up time and energy to focus on the activities that matter most to you.
Edit Your Calendar
The holiday season tends to fill up fast with parties, gatherings, and events. Before you RSVP to every invitation, ask yourself: “Do I actually want to go to this?” It’s okay to say no. Permit yourself to skip events that don’t bring joy or align with your priorities. Instead, reserve your time for the gatherings that truly matter. I will prioritize time with family, especially the grandkids, with visits to the Christmas train garden and cookie baking.
Finally, remember that holidays don’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. By prioritizing, outsourcing, and keeping your calendar in check, you can approach the holidays with less stress and more joy. And isn’t that what the season is all about?