1) Check your schedule - Know now how busy your calendar is for the months of November and December. Review how booked the schedule is, where you have some open dates, and determine now how busy or how much free time you want. Revisit the schedule weekly to do a quick glance and remind yourself of upcoming events.
2) Avoid over committing - Don't be afraid to say no to people. You know how much you can successfully manage and handle, so if you already feel overwhelmed about a busy holiday season and adding one more event just adds more stress, not fun, then turn it down. Leave unscheduled time, ,time to relax at home with a movie night, and leave time to practice your favorite and most effective self-care methods. YOU ARE WORTH IT.
3) Budget, and stick to it. - Set a budget for holiday shopping, and actually (gasp!) stick to the budget. Your kids don't need an endless supply of toys and gadgets that they will only reject in a few months, your mother doesn't need the most expensive shawl from that upscale boutique. You don't need to buy others' love and affection, and going into your own financial debt won't strengthen any emotional ties with a loved one.
4) Make time for you, and your immediate family. - Make sure you have unscheduled time each week to relax and reconnect with your family at home. Let your kids guide the fun - making cookies, doing a craft, reading a holiday story - all inexpensive things to do at home that allow the kids to take ownership of family time and slow down from all the hustle and bustle of the season. Also don't forget to make time for you - reading a chapter from your favorite book, watching an episode of "This is Us" or even sneaking away for a pedicure. Your family, friends and loved ones will benefit from you the most if you make yourself a priority and take time for quiet and rest.
5)Teach your kids the importance of giving back. - My husband and I love doing Meals on Wheels on Thanksgiving morning, delivery food to the elderly and starting our day in an attitude of gratitude and giving, or we purchase toys to donate to kids in need for Christmas - and ask our daughter to help with selecting toys to give to kids that don't have much. These two instances seem to set the tone and pace for our holiday season. Find a way you can be an example and volunteer with your kids - they will learn to serve, be generous givers, and shift the focus to others less fortunate.
What are some other tips you would add to minimize stress during the holiday season? Comment below!
