10 steps for a strees free holiday season

10 steps for a stress free holiday season

It’s this time of the year again. Some love it, some hate it, and some are simply stressed until it’s over. There are countless gifts to buy. The home to prepare. Activities to attend, social events to participate, food to be prepared, cookies to be baked, gifts to be wrapped and, let’s not forget,magical pin-worthy kids memories to create. Oh, and also, family tensions to handle.

I love the festive season, but sometimes it drains just too much energy out if me. In the end, it should be fun for everyone, including me, the home maker, right?

So this year I choose to concentrate in the things I can control, plan ahead the all tasks that absolutely need to be done, delegate whatever is possible, and let go the unrealistic expectations (including mine!). Here’s my plan, maybe you too will find it helpful :

1. Plan ahead.
Doing everything that can be done early and crossed off the list, is my number one rule for a stress free Christmas. Make a big batch of cookies and freeze them, get your gifts wrapped at store, and leave yourself some time to simply appreciate the season!

2. Christmas shopping? Ahead and online.
The sooner you start, the better. I love shopping online, shopping small, and having everything delivered at my doorstep!

3. Forget about extra magical Christmas this year.
Christmas time is magical for kids, because they are kids, everything is magical for them ! Spending time with family during Christmas, playing around the Christmas tree and unwrapping gifts, is really magical enough! Of course, if you have extra energy for the Elf-on-the-shelf, DIY Advent calendar, or 20 days of different homemade cookies, then go for it. But don’t feel obligated to do it all!

4. If you’re the lucky host, then make it a potluck.
No, you’re not obliged to cook alone for a crowd, yes you can ask for help! Prepare the main meal, and ask everyone to bring a side or a desert. You’ll be less stressed, and your family members will be happy to help.

5. Use your slow cooker.
Did you know you can make a cake in the slow cooker? Yes, it’s not only for stews and soups, for is purgation, have a look in here.

6. Use printables.
Are you out of gift tags, thank you cards or gift paper? Well, instead of heading to the store, turn on your printer and print them out! Here’s my Pinterest board full of Christmas printables!

7. Opt for easy DIY gifts.
No need to impress everyone with an impressive DIY project that’ll take all your fee time! Choose one or two projects that you feel confident with! Here’s another one of my Pinterest boards full of easy DIY gift ideas.

8. And even easier teacher/coworker gifts.
Do you need gifts for teachers, neighbours and coworkers? Buy a batch of your favourite coffee-place gift cards, and print out one of these printables. You can add a coffee cup if you feel extra nice.

9. Don’t stress over the things that are beyond your control.
A family member is upset about another family member? There’s no snow/ to much snow? Your DIY gifts are not as cute as on Pinterest? Your kids cry on Santa’s lap? Too bad. Non of that will be important in a month, a year, in 10 years.

10. Remember what’s it all about.
Christmas isn’t about gifts. Nor about perfection. Christmas is about slowing down, spending time with family and friends, and cherishing the moment.

I hope you’ll have a stress free, happy holiday season, and please let me know if you have any other tricks and tips for a stress free Christmas !

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