It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like...
- Jamie Lee
- Oct 16, 2023
- 3 min read
It's that time of year...I know it's not even quite Halloween, but before you know it, the little goblins will be gone and the big holiday season will be upon us. It comes the same time every year, yet we always seem unprepared and then the stress kicks in. A little bit of planning can go a long way to keeping things stress free. Let's dive into a couple of informal, yet practical ways for getting ahead of the holiday madness:
Set Your Intentions: Ask yourself what do you want from the holidays. Is it quality time with family, relaxation, or maybe a bit of both? Knowing your priorities will help guide your plans.
Budget Wisely: Finances can be a big stressor during the holidays. Figure out your budget early and stick to it. Consider setting up a holiday savings account if you haven't already. I have to give a lot of cash gifts at the holidays, so I buy the gift cards and fill one every payday - so it's not a large hit at the holiday.
Gift List Game Plan: Make a list of who you need to buy gifts for. Start early to avoid last-minute panic buying. Homemade gifts can be thoughtful and budget-friendly. I love making homemade caramel sauce of Bailey's.
Plan Meals in Advance: If you're hosting holiday dinners, plan your menu ahead of time. Start shopping for non-perishables early. Consider asking guests to bring a specific item, say a side or a dessert. They will most likely want to contribute, and this way there is less for you to make.
Deck the Halls: Don't wait until December to decorate. Get a head start on decorating your home, inside and out, to create that festive atmosphere. My favorite time to decorate is right after Thanksgiving.
Online Shopping: I just cannot do the malls around the holidays...when I have to accomplish things. I do as much shopping early and/or online. You can often find better deals and don't have to dig through racks and piles only to find they don't have the size/color. I do like to hit the mall just for the festivenss of it.
Self-Care is Key: Please don't forget to take care of yourself. We tend to run ourselves ragged during the holidays. Take time for a warm bath and a good book...don't forget the cocoa!
Delegate Tasks: It's okay to ask for help. Whether it's wrapping gifts, cooking, or decorating, delegating tasks can relieve some of the stress.
Stay Organized: Use a holiday planner or an app to keep track of your to-do list, appointments, and deadlines. This will help you stay on top of things. I have lists going constantly!
Time Management: Allocate specific time slots for holiday-related tasks, so they don't overwhelm your daily routine. For instance - from 6-7pm, I'll wrap presents or write out cards while I'm watching "White Christmas."
Practice Gratitude: The holidays are a great time to reflect on the things you're grateful for. It can shift your focus from stress to appreciation. As crazy as the world is, we really do have so much to be grateful for.
Flexibility is Key: Sometimes, despite all your planning, things won't go as expected. Embrace the flexibility to adapt and enjoy the moment.
By starting early and taking a more relaxed approach, you can make the holiday season more enjoyable and less stressful. Remember, the holidays are about cherishing the moments with loved ones, and planning can help you do just that without the stress. Don't forget to have fun!
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