Here we are at another holiday season. It’s supposed to be full of quality family time, gifts, matching pajamas, and pure joy. Yet, for many it ends up being full of stress and anxiety with more calendar obligations, long to do lists, increased expenses, family expectations, crowds, and cold and gray weather. So, how can this year’s holidays be more fun with less stress?
Here are Put It There’s top 12 tips…
1. Set goals! What do you want these holidays to entail? Ask your family what they will enjoy the most? What does everyone enjoy the least? What traditions do you love to carry on, and which ones can be eliminated? Once you have these answers, you can plan accordingly and prioritize obligations that fit your goals.
2. Lists, lists and lists! Capture all tasks and projects onto one master list. Be sure to break down projects into small, bite size pieces. In other words, don’t put down “send out holiday cards”. Rather, the tasks should entail the following…update holiday card list; select card design; create holiday message; order cards; purchase holiday stamps; etc. There! See, much more doable and more fun with less stress!
3. Start fresh with a blank calendar. Print out a December calendar and start by filling in the must-do’s that you already know of. You know – the dates you have to pick Mom and Dad up from the airport, school events, important business meetings or appointments, etc. Now, as invitations come in, you can see how busy that week is, ask yourself if that event fits in with your holiday goals (see tip #1) and add it to the calendar if you decide to go. Color code by family members if that would be helpful.
4. Schedule time in the calendar to drive around to admire the pretty lights. Select a date to take the family ice skating or a fun holiday event. Being proactive by planning these in advance will do wonders towards creating more fun with less stress and probably a much-needed break from the hectic.
5. Allow extra time for everything! If it usually takes you 45 minutes to go grocery shopping, plan for an hour and 15 minutes. It’s much less stressful to have extra time versus running late because you didn’t allow enough time.
6. Make holiday cards easier by computerizing your list so it can easily be updated throughout the year. Allot 15-20 minutes to work on them each day or plan to do 10 each day. Have the kids help put stamps and labels on the envelopes. Who cares if they’re a little crooked?
7. Purchase gifts that need to be sent out first, so they get delivered on time and you don’t incur extra shipping costs to have them rushed.
8. Purchase items in places you are already going, such as gift cards while at the grocery store.
9. If you find a great gift, purchase it for more than one person on your list. Buy some extra gift cards or generic gifts in case you forget someone.
10. Call stores ahead of time to make sure they have what you are looking for. Purchase online as much as possible. It is much more fun and less stressful to shop in your PJs!
11. Create a holiday file, either paper or electronic. Take notes of expenses, especially unexpected ones. Add new ideas throughout the year.
12. Evaluate honestly at the end. Did you allow enough time for everything? Did the family enjoy the holidays – why or why not? How can we further simplify?
This time of year really can involve more fun and less stress with some good planning. I hope these tips help and may this holiday season bring plenty of joy and love with all those who you hold dear. Until next year….
WHAT I AM THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR- What about you?
