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The holiday season is charged with fun, high energy and unfortunately some added stress. In addition to our usual daily responsibilities, we factor in the buying of gifts, holiday decorating, holiday social gatherings and sometimes the dreaded extended family events. In an effort to get full enjoyment out of this time of year, while alleviating some of the stress, follow these seven tips. Even implementing a few of these can harness some of your energy that would be better expended on you or your family.
1. Donate sooner rather than later
With the addition of new holiday gifts, we sometimes wonder where we will put all of the new “stuff”. At our house, we pack up toys and clothing that we are no longer using and donate them before the holidays to make room for the new.
2. Keep gift giving simple
Gifts do not have to be extravagant and your children do not need to receive everything that they ask for! Keep your gift giving simple by asking those that you buy for what they would like rather than stressing out about figuring out the perfect gift. Books, family photo items (i.e. calendars, mugs, t-shirts) and gift cards are just a few ideas for small, simple gifts.
3. Shop Online
Instead of venturing out into the crowds, especially if you have small children, consider doing as much of your shopping online as possible. You can even have the seller wrap the gift and send it directly to the receiver if you don’t live close by. Online shopping is easy, secure and a necessity for moms with young kids.
4. Shop early or late
If you must go out to the stores, consider going either early in the morning when they first open or later at night before they close. You will have an easier time finding parking and will avoid most of the crowds.
5. Get some additional help
Don’t try to shop with your kids, especially if they are in a stroller. Get a babysitter to watch your kids while you run out to do your shopping. It will be much less stressful if you leave the kids at home! Also, if you are having house guests, hire someone to clean for you during the holiday season if you don’t have someone that does it year round.
6. Create the holiday you want
Many families put the pressure on during the holidays to have things the way that they want them and it doesn’t always coincide with what you imagined your holidays would be like. If you prefer to have time just with your kids and spouse, separate from your other family members, take it! Pleasing family members during the holidays can add unnecessary stress and cause resentment.
7. Take time for YOU
If you haven’ been doing it already, now is the perfect time for you to take time for yourself. Even if it is shopping alone or sitting down with a cup of tea for 15 minutes behind a closed door away from your kids. Whatever provides you a way to rejuvenate, you need to incorporate into the holiday season. Remember you deserve it!
Implementing these simple tips will definitely take some of the stress out of your holiday season. The holidays should be enjoyed and adding stress during this time takes the fun out of it. Both you and your family will be happier when you do what is necessary to make it FUN!