Halloween is behind us, thanksgiving is around the corner and Christmas will be here before we know it. The holiday season is truly my favorite time of the year, but it so often brings stress and overwhelm to us mommas. My first Christmas as a mom was challenging for me. It came and went so quickly and I felt like I hardly got to enjoy it. I started to look for changes I could make to avoid that in the years to come. The things that I’ve found have worked for me are what I am going to share with you today.
Here we go…
Ask Your Family What’s Important to Them for the Holidays
Seriously this one can be life changing. So often we make the holidays about all of the things we think we are “supposed” to do. My first year as a momma last minute I realized Kinsley didn’t go see Santa. I spent so much time scouring the internet trying to find a place that would have Santa without a line of $10 million because this mommas anxiety skyrockets when there are too many people. But you guys she was 8 months old. She never would have known if she didn’t see Santa that year.
The key to a fulfilling holiday season lies in understanding the unique desires and expectations of your family members. Take the time to sit down and have an open conversation about what truly matters to each person and even really asking yourself what matters. By aligning your plans with the priorities of the family, you’ll create a more meaningful and enjoyable experience for everyone without trying to fit 10,000 things in.
Do a Holiday Brain Dump to Get Organized
One of the biggest sources of stress during the holidays is the feeling of being overwhelmed by numerous tasks and responsibilities that get added to our plates. Combat this by doing a holiday brain dump. Grab a notebook and jot down everything that comes to mind related to the holiday season – from gift ideas and party planning to travel arrangements and meal preparations. Once you have everything on paper, you can organize, prioritize, and schedule your tasks more effectively, making it easier to tackle each one without feeling scattered.
Be Okay Letting Go of Tradition
Traditions are wonderful, but sometimes holding onto them too tightly can contribute to stress. Evaluate your family’s traditions and be open to adapting or letting go of some if they no longer bring joy or if they add unnecessary pressure. Remember, the essence of the holidays is about creating happy memories with your loved ones, not about sticking to a rigid set of activities and having no time to just relax. Embrace the freedom to evolve and establish new traditions that better align with your current lifestyle.
Create a Gift Giving List & Budget
Gift-giving can be a significant stressor during the holiday season, both in terms of time and finances. To alleviate this pressure, create a thoughtful gift-giving list. Consider the preferences and needs of each person on your list and establish a budget that aligns with your financial goals.
A few years ago someone told me that Santa should bring something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read. And that is exactly what we do for our Santa gifts. By having this kind of structure, I know exactly what types of things I need to buy and we have a set spending amount for each of our kiddos.
By knowing exactly what we spend each year, I can save for Christmas all year long by placing just a little bit into a Christmas Club each paycheck which makes the Holiday season so much easier. Also, another bonus tip is to keep a Note in your phone for Gift Ideas and jot things down all year long as you think of things. By planning and setting realistic expectations, you can avoid last-minute stress and overspending, allowing you to focus on the joy of giving meaningful gifts.
Do a Purge Prior to the Holidays
Clearing physical clutter can have a surprisingly positive impact on your mental well-being. Before the holiday season kicks into high gear, take the time to declutter your home. Clean out the fridge and pantry, organize and donate toys that are no longer used, and clear out any unnecessary clothing. Not only does this create a more serene and organized living space, it also makes space for the new items coming into your home and sets the stage for a fresh start in the new year.
By incorporating these five tips into your holiday season strategy, you can create a more balanced and less stressful experience for you and your family. Remember that the holidays are about spending quality time with loved ones. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and stress-free holiday season!
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