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With the holiday season approaching, exciting plans, family traditions, and an abundance of activities are around the corner. While many of us have the best intentions of staying calm, present, and joyful throughout the holidays, that doesn’t always end up being the case.
As schedules begin to fill up, you may feel that the time needed to care for yourself, healthy habits, and enjoyment in the things you actually want to do all get a bit lost. But that doesn’t have to be the case. With a little planning and acknowledgment of your desires, the holidays can be both exciting and relaxing.
We’re sharing 3 common stressors during the holiday season and a few suggestions on ways you can combat each one to make the most of your last few months of the year.
Hosting
Being the host or hostess with the mostest is a great honor—but doesn’t come without its own stressors. It can be easy to feel like there is always more to do, you’re missing out on the fun, and expectations are unattainable. How can you make hosting less stressful?
1. Plan ahead by creating a task list, menu, shopping list, needed decorations, and more. Actually write out your to-do list and follow through by adding it to your schedule.
2. Keep the menu simple! The food can be delicious AND easy by using make ahead recipes to help spread out the work.
3. Share the load by asking guests to bring side dishes, drinks, and other easy items. People want to contribute!
4. Lower your expectations to recognize perfection is not realistic. However, you can still host a fabulous celebration with the unexpected hiccups of the day. Intentionally set your mood and have fun!
Shopping
During the holiday season, it can be so easy to feel overwhelmed by shopping, gift giving, and a feeling of never having enough time to do it all. How can you make shopping fun without breaking the bank or feeling guilt?
1. Create a list of people you want to get gifts for, create a budget, and stick to it! I suggest you get the list out of your head and onto paper.
2. Get started gift shopping early to ensure you get what you want and aren’t rushing last minute. Last minute anything is stressful. Try to be proactive this year!
3. Fit shopping into your schedule, not the other way around. Pop into your favorite restaurants and stores to get gift certificates when you’re already out, and try shopping during the week when it’s less busy.
4. Gather any gift wrapping supplies from last year that you can reuse again. I always find last year’s tissue paper, gift bags and ribbons AFTER I purchase more.
5. Consider experiences as gifts that allow you to spend time with those you care about. These can be scheduled in the upcoming new year when the holiday schedule isn’t so full.
Family Plans & Traditions…and fitting it all in!
During the holidays, your list of to-dos, traditions, and activities can get lengthy. Fitting it all in is quite the task to accomplish! How can you ensure you actually get the time to enjoy the things you want to?
1. Write down the necessary “must do” obligations including your children’s concerts, school events, and work parties.
2. Schedule time for the traditions you truly want to enjoy such as getting your tree, putting up holiday decorations, watching your favorite Christmas movies, and baking cookies. These things take time so reserve large chunks or your day or weekend so you can fully embrace the time together.
3. Create the space for visits with loved ones and travel. Meaningful time spent together can easily get pushed aside in the busyness of this time of year.
4. Allow space in your calendar to simply BE and enjoy the season-sitting by the fire, sipping hot cocoa, listening to Christmas music, and actually enjoying your beautifully decorated home!
Some other helpful reminders for yourself include:
1. Stay hydrated. It’s easy to skip on the water and replace it with extra sweet drinks and alcohol.
2. Prioritize adequate sleep even when the schedule may be filled to the brim.
3. Say no when you need to. (Pro Tip: Try saying, “Thank you for the invitation but that won’t work for us right now.”)
4. Get fresh air, and move your body often. Never underestimate the power of a brisk walk!
5. Treat treats as treats, and try not to overindulge for the entire 12 weeks.
6. Ask for the help and support you need and deserve. Work as a team.
Throughout the season, don’t forget to also prioritize yourself. As the mother AND house manager of my home, I understand how it can feel like everything falls on your shoulders. But the reality is, there is help around you if you simply ask.
