The holidays should be joyful and fun. But the reality is - that's not the reality! There is too much pressure from retailers to buy, buy, buy...... The television bombards you with ads. The newspapers and stores send out ads and coupons and make you think that shopping is your idea. People will love you more if you buy them things!
The holidays aren't about family or friends or anything important anymore. It's about commercialism.
So be daring and "just say NO". Take a step back and remember what the holidays are supposed to be about. Appreciating your family and your life.
So - if you haven't finished your shopping or planning for the holidays - here are a few ideas to cut down on the stress.
Allow yourself to enjoy the holidays by taking a step back and making a list and checking it twice.
Write down all of the things that you think you need to get done before the holiday. Write down all of the things that you think you need to buy.
Grab your calendar and start planning on when you are going to do all of the things that you think you need to do. Write it down on your calendar (in pencil!). Be specific. Give yourself time limits on each item.
For example:
Going to the store for husbands gift - Wed - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Kids Holiday concert - Thur - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Work party - Fri - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Taking kids shopping for holiday presents - Thur - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
You get the idea - write it all down - so that you can see it in front of you. Then decide if there is overlap with some functions that you can't realistically get to. Or you can decide which functions you want to skip (yes, give yourself permission to skip things!). Don't stress yourself out about going to every single event. That takes all of the fun out of the holidays.
Next - make a list of all of the things that you have to do and buy.
Things to do:
Buying wrapping paper, gift tags and tape
Wrap presents - when kids and husband is not at home
Send presents to out of town family
Deciding on a holiday menu
Make a list of all of the ingredients needed for the holiday dinner
Make sure that you have all of the serving dishes that you need for the holiday dinner
Plan your holiday schedule of events for that big day
These are just some of the things that you want plan for. The more you plan - the better the chances that things will go smoothly (or as smoothly as they can). Even a professional organizer can't predict that her oven will stop working two days before the holiday! Stuff happens - but if most of the important things have been planned out - the little things won't get noticed as much.
And the most important thing - take time for yourself! Write that into your calendar of events. Take time to go to the coffee shop and sit and relax with a cup of coffee and watch all of the people hustling about. Enjoy the holiday music that is everywhere.
Knowing that your next few weeks have been planned out and that everything can get accomplished will help keep you de-stressed.
And a calming bath with some bath salts can't hurt!
Happy Holidays!
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