10 Simple Steps to Reduce Feeling Stressed this Holiday Season
Did you know it doesn’t have to be stressful this holiday season?
I want you to experience your family gatherings with less stress and more joy! I’ve put together some things I do to keep our family from feeling overwhelmed over Christmas.
Only attend events that fit into your families schedule
We have 3 kids meaning in past years there were a lot of concerts, parties, family gatherings, work parties and sports events calling for our attention.
We didn't go to all of them. We picked the ones that mattered to our family and gracefully declined the rest.
I’m guessing your calendar is also filling up. Decide which ones bring you joy and happiness and attend those. It’s ok to say no to some events.
Remember, saying no this year doesn’t mean you can’t say yes next year!
Pre-plan your holiday menu
Planning ahead is important. Not only will you be able to buy ahead of time, but you might find a few sales.
This year we are getting together with both sides of our family. One on the 26th and the other on the 31st. We also chose to potluck our meals to further reduce the stress.
Cook your turkey the day before
I’m sure many of you just rolled your eyes at me, but I will stand behind this every time!
I roast the turkey the day before. After it cools, I slice it and then layer it into my crock pot with 1/2 of the meat juice (save the remaining meat juice for gravy).
Then I cover the pot with Saran wrap and place it in the fridge.
The next day, I pull it out, put it in the crock, turn it on and it warms up while the rest of the food is cooking. It also frees up the oven for other dishes.
I love dealing with the bones and dishes without a crowd of people.
Do as many dishes ahead of time as possible
I’m serious. Get as much clean as possible before your guests arrive.
Buy paper plates and cups
Do you want to do the dishes? I sure don’t!
Last year we hosted my side of the family. I don't have enough plates for everyone. So I bought disposable. It was lovely.
Yes, it is a bit wasteful, but I got to enjoy the entire day visiting instead of doing the dishes!
Staying overnight with family?
Pack light.
Create a bag for winter gear only. This keeps all the mitts, toques, snow pants and boots together. This bag only needs to be opened if needed. BONUS: leave it in your car
Pack outfits that mix and match so you bring fewer clothes.
Simplify as much as possible. Staying with a mom or sister? Ask to borrow a blow dryer instead of taking one.
Bring comfy clothes you’ll enjoy lounging in.
Filling stockings?
Fill your kids' (or spouse's) stockings with things they need, then add a few fun things. Here's a list of some things that go into our stockings.
Gum
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Deodarent
Chocolate Bar
Deck of Cards
Chap stick
Fun Socks
Candy
Microwave Popcorn
Lower your expectations
This was a big one for me. Once I stepped back and let the weekend happen, I was much more relaxed.
Decide how you want to feel about the holidays and then be happy with that decision. It might go as planned, but it might not. That’s OK!
Do your cleaning in the week before your company arrives
If you do all the deep cleaning the week before your event, then all you have is a quick tidy the day of the gathering.
Have guests staying overnight? Get linens washed and ready. Then you’re not scrambling when it's time for bed.
You can even borrow extra bedding!
Have little kids? Put most of the toys away before your company comes. This will prevent the mass dumping of toys when kids play. It’ll be one less thing that you’ll get grumpy about and have to clean when your company leaves.
Finally, ENJOY your season!
Take a deep breath and relax. The season will fly by and be gone in a blink of an eye.
You get to decide how you feel! What other people think about you and your family's plans is not your business.
If you’re happy with how you’ve chosen to spend the holidays, then LOVE that decision!
I’m looking forward to our Christmas week and can’t wait to hear about all your plans!
Merry Christmas!
Heidi
