How to have a hassle-free holiday
The true meaning of the Christmas season often gets lost in the chaos of holiday preparations. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’ve got Christmas shopping, meal planning, and family get-togethers on your mind, all while working your full-time job. Before you get too stressed and cause yourself to miss out on the fun of the season, consider these tips for having a hassle-free holiday.
Start now
One of the worst things you can do when it comes to holiday planning is procrastinate. With Christmas less than two weeks away, don’t wait any longer to tackle the tasks on your plate. Figure out how much shopping you have left to do and get it done. Also, don’t wait until Christmas Eve to wrap those gifts. If you need assistance, ask others in your family for help; older children often find enjoyment in wrapping Christmas presents. Additionally, if you are hosting family, begin planning now for any meals you will need to prepare. You don’t have to hit the grocery store immediately, but having a clear idea of the items you’ll need to buy will help you to not forget anything when it’s time to start cooking.
Keep it simple
Just because your next-door neighbor decorates like Clark W. Griswold doesn’t mean you have to hang up a thousand Christmas lights. Remember it’s not a competition and it’s important you do only as much as you can. If you are not enjoying decorating your house or trimming the tree, chances are you’ve taken on too much. So, scale it back and allow yourself to put your feet up and enjoy hot cocoa by the fire with your family.
Ask for help
Sure, everyone has a lot going on during this time of year, but never forget the importance on leaning on one another if things get to be too much. The reality is that in most cases others in your life won’t mind how much you cook or decorate; we usually put that pressure on ourselves unnecessarily. So, if there are things still left to do and you feel stressed, reach out to your loved ones for support and assistance. Cherish this time together as a chance to make new family traditions.
