Holidays are meant to be an exciting time for your family—full of joy and wonder. But let’s face it, more often than not, it’s just a huge amount of added stress that keeps us feeling anything but jolly.
We're already juggling a lot with work, family, running a household, and trying to keep on top of our kid’s activities. So when we mix in the chaos of the holidays, it's enough to bring out a little scrooge in many of us.
If you're over-stressed to the point that you would rather wrap yourself up and hide in a closet until after New Year’s arrives, you're in luck! Mighty Mommy is here with 8 tips to help you manage your already busy lives and mix in your holiday “to do list” without losing the real meaning of the season.
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Tip #1: Seek a Fresh Perspective
Make a change during this holiday season that will lighten your load. Take one task that drives you crazy during the holidays and tackle it in a new way. A fresh approach just might make a difference.
For example, if you dread having to decorate the outside of your home with a bunch of lights and glitz, perhaps you should scale back and simply hang a pretty wreath on your front door and just place lights on your porch railings instead of all over the entire house. Be honest with yourself and find at least one thing you can cut back on.
Tip #2: Trade Gifts for Experiences
For those of us who have large or extended families, holiday shopping can become a nightmare. Try shopping for 15 cousins, 12 great aunts, 33 best friends, teachers, coaches, babysitters, oh and your kids and spouse, too - enough already!
Instead of buying material things to give as gifts, try giving experiences and sharing special moments together. Arrange a trip to a local holiday show for a group of you, or book a breakfast at your favorite pancake house where you can all have some fun eating Belgian waffles and reminiscing about fun family times. Spending time together can offer much more value than gifting someone with a new toy or sweater.
Tip #3: Send out New Year’s Cards
Sending holiday cards is thoughtful but it’s also very time consuming, especially if you love to send a photo greeting card that showcases your beautiful family.
Several years ago I decided I just couldn’t add the stress of sending out Christmas cards during this already harried time of the year, so I now take a photo of my family all together on Christmas Day, and turn it into a New Year’s greeting card. Our friends and family have all commented that they enjoy receiving our card after the busy season when everything is a bit more peaceful rather than when they’re bombarded with a slew of cards right before the big day.
See also; Domestic CEO's 4 Ways to Stress Less This Holiday Season
Tip #4: Schedule a Holiday Time Out
During the busy holiday season, I like to schedule a holiday “time out” for my family. I plan at least one Sunday afternoon when we can unwind as a family and enjoy the season instead of letting it drag us down.
If you can’t devote an entire afternoon for a holiday “time out” then head outdoors for a refreshing change of scenery.
For instance, last year we spent an afternoon at an outdoor ice skating rink and then went out to our favorite burger place for dinner. If you can’t devote an entire afternoon for a holiday “time out” then head outdoors for a refreshing change of scenery. Bundle up and walk the dog together during a snowfall, or take a starlit nighttime stroll through your neighborhood to view the holiday lights. Whatever you decide, devote this time to recharging your family’s holiday batteries.
Tip #5: Some Assembly Required
If there’s one thing Mighty Mommy has learned throughout my 20 years of parenting it's to leave assembly of items like bicycles or large doll houses and such to the experts. Allow a store’s staff to put together the “some assembly required” gifts you’ve purchased, even if you must pay a fee. It will not only save you lots of precious time, but it could save your sanity as well!
Tip #6: Maintain Daily Rituals
Most of us try to squeeze an extra hour or two out of our days throughout the year, but when holiday time is in full swing, we try and double that. That's a recipe for burnout.
Instead, be sure to hold onto your daily rituals during this busy time of year. If you like to read for half an hour before bed, or go to the gym right before dinner, don’t give it up in favor of yet another holiday chore. Our everyday practices help calm and center us and this sets a good example for our children.
See also: 5 Ways Selfish Parenting Can Benefit Your Family
Tip #7: Record What Worked
Even before I had 8 kids, I have always been a list person. Not only do I thrive by keeping a “to do” list on hand at all times, I also find it helpful to record any tips and tricks that went over especially well for big events like birthday parties, traveling for vacation, and even celebrating the holidays.
Try keeping a notebook from year to year, detailing your own secrets for a sacred, successful, and stress-free celebration. Not only will this be helpful, but you may find it quite entertaining as well when you re-read it throughout the years.
Tip #8: Don’t Forget to Have Fun
The holiday season is supposed to evoke magical, special moments that we create with our family and loved ones. But that is often neglected or forgotten as we run around shopping, wrapping, organizing.
So my last piece of advice is to try to keep a lighthearted approach when trimming the tree, baking cookies, hitting the busy mall, or even wrapping those dozens of presents you spent hours shopping for. Remember to have fun and savor the time you do get to spend with your kids and family instead of looking at some of these tasks as chores.
See also: How to Make the Holidays More Exciting
How do you eliminate some of the stress that comes along with the holidays? Share your thoughts in the comment section at quickanddirtytips.com/mighty-mommy or post your ideas on the Mighty Mommy Facebook page. You can also connect with me on Twitter @MightyMommy or e-mail me at mommy@quickanddirtytips.com. Visit my family-friendly boards at Pinterest.com/MightyMommyQDT.
Managing the holidays can be overwhelming. But if you stay organized, and remember what the season is all about, you can relieve some of that holiday stress and really enjoy this time of year. Until next time--Happy Parenting!