Have a Stress-Free Holiday Season
It’s Why Not Organize Something Wednesday again. This time of year can get pretty crazy. You can start to feel like you’re being pulled in every direction and there’s just not enough of you to go around. Besides having all the regular tasks that have to get done everyday, you’ve just volunteered to have more put on your plate. Are you feeling overwhelmed yet? Is your head starting to pound and your heart beating faster? First, slow down and take a deep breath.
Think about what really matters to you. Do you want to keep certain family traditions alive? Do you want to instill a sense of charity and generosity in your children? Do you want visitors to drop by and feel comfortable and welcome? Or do you want to throw one great party? Whatever your goal is, you need to write it down and create a plan.
Here’s what helps me focus and be able to enjoy the holiday season:
1. Make a timeline and work backwards to be able to achieve the goal. Start with the end result and work from there to present day.
2. Set small, daily or weekly goals to be able to achieve your main goal. Record the tasks that need to be completed on your calendar.
3. Beg, plead or bride family member to help. Even the most organized person can need help at times. If someone offers to help with an event or task, take them up on it.
4. Be realistic in your expectations. Sometimes you just have to let things go.
5. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Have fun. Take a day just for you. Last year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I spent a few hours at a Spa and went shopping. It was just what I needed to get me going again.
6. Enjoy the whole process, not just the main event. If you’re overwhelmed and not enjoying yourself, maybe you should reevaluate your goals and expectations.
7. Plan some time or activities with just your family. We already have a plan for Laser Tag when Adam’s home for a week at Christmas.
8. Plan a budget and stick to it as closely as possible. Having financial worries can put a damper on anything.
9. Think of others. Help your children and yourself get back to the true meaning of the holidays by thinking of ways you can benefit others either financially, in service or friendship.
10. It’s never to early to start planning. The ealier, the better for me. There’s a lot of stress in last minute decisions and planning (or lack of).
Have a wonderful day and enjoy the season!
I’m linking to Works for Me Wednesday at We Are That Family.
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4 Responses to “Have a Stress-Free Holiday Season”
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What a great blog you have. So creative and talented!! Found it while looking at BNOTP.
Great post!!! I think you were talking straight to MY heart~ Have a great one friend!…breath~
I am good at taking up folks on their offers of help – and so thankful for them! Thanks for these reminders to simplify holiday planning,
Jamie
Thanks for the wholesome advice. Just knowing the holidays are here I need to be reminded to breathe deep.
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