The holidays are coming up on us fast (tomorrow is Thanksgiving!) which means so does the stress that comes along with it. Family, gatherings, last minute shopping trips and cooking can make your stress level this holiday season go on full blast. I have found that in years past I become so overwhelmed by the stress that comes along with the holidays that I am not able to enjoy it fully. So this year, I plan to limit my holiday stress with these 5 tips.
If your looking for way to get in the holiday spirit check those out HERE.
Holiday Stress Tip 1: Set a Budget
Set a budget and most importantly stick with it. Overspending can lead to increased stress especially around the holidays. Learn to follow a strict budget when it comes to gift shopping so not to overspend. This stress can last you well into the New Year when you are trying to pay off the debts you created or the bills you didn’t pay in an attempt to purchase the perfect Christmas gift.
Another way to reduce stress around spending is to make a list of exactly what you are going to buy for who and where you are going to buy it from. This helps keep you on track. Remember, you don’t need to spend a ton of money on your family and friends to make it a Merry Christmas.
Holiday Stress Tip 2: Say No
You do not need to say yes to every holiday party, gathering or gift exchange. Say no to hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve dinner if you really don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Or better yet, if you are hosting, ask for help. Ask others to bring a side dish or wine to help you out a little bit to avoid feeling stressed.
Say no to the gatherings and parties as well. If it is going to make you feel overwhelmed just say no and move on.
Holiday Stress Tip 3: Decorate your Way
I can guarantee you that my tree or home decor will not be picture perfect as seen in all the photos on Pinterest or Instagram. Our Christmas tree is a mash up of ornaments that have been purchased and made by the children throughout the years. Nothing matches and I don’t really care. I am not going to stress about perfecting and matching all of my decor and instead focus on enjoying the lights, decorations and spirit while I still can.
Holiday Stress Tip 4: Wrap early
Or not at all. Gift bags are a perfectly acceptable way to wrap gifts as is just sticking a bow on it. I tend to put off all of my wrapping till the last minute and try to make my gifts look like something that came out of a Good Housekeeping or Oprah magazine spread and then go into full crazy mode Christmas Eve to get it all done. It’s stressful and I promise myself to start earlier even year in order to avoid the stress involved with wrapping and putting all the gifts together.
Another thing that I am slowly learning to do is to start shopping early to avoid the last minute rush of trying to buy gifts.
Holiday Stress Tip 5: Let Things Go
Around this time I become a big ball of anxiety about finding the perfect gift, moving the damn elf, baking the perfect dish and making sure that my family creates memories that will last a lifetime. These things don’t always happen and instead of fretting over them I have learned to let those things go. Things are not always going to go my way and the holidays probably won’t be perfect. So instead of stressing, just go with it, let the things you can’t control go and eat, drink and be merry!
The holidays are stressful. I think that you have some great ideas to help us cope. Thanks!
Patty says
Say No! I need to work on that! I know that it is something I need to do, but for some reason my schedule is always booked with things to do!
D’ondra Howard says
These are great tips. I for one will be using them this season.
Carriann says
Great ways to help with holiday stress!!
Great tips!! The holidays are so stressful you must find ways to destress for sure!
Sue Denym says
Great tips. The holidays are so stressful!
The Crumby Vegan says
This is all great advice. One of the biggest stresses I have over the holidays is money. So this year, my family and I are donating to a charity for one another, then there is no amount and people donate what they can afford. It’s more about the thought 💚
Setting a budget is a very important piece of advice when it comes to the winter holidays. we very often get carried away with shopping and spend too much that we can afford.
I’m trying to get things done early and say no to extra things. It’s so hard to juggle everything this time of year.
Katy says
You are totally right… holiday season can be hella stressful!
Neil Alvin says
Great tips. I’m happy to see this one as I’m slowly feeling the stress.
enjoyed my read here & appreciate your tips sharing, holidays supposed to be rest & relax, not to be stressed out. cheers, siennylovesdrawing
Yes, I agree, holidays and preparing for them can be so stressful. Thank you for sharing these helpful tips.:)
Christopher Mitchell says
I think then big thing here is decorating your way and not worrying about what other people may or may not feel about it!
TonyMahony says
By examining your budget, and following the guidelines of what’s most important to your family, you can choose the things that will make the biggest impact.
Adventures with Shelby says
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!