Tips for Enjoying a Stress-Free Holiday Season

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My family is truly and unapologetically a “Christmas family”. What do I mean by that? Santa exists in our house. Like, he is real. The build-up to Christmas remains as exciting as it was when I was five years old, and I find myself wide awake at 6:00 a.m. ready to start the day. We do it big, then we go to my mom’s house and my husband’s parents’ house where Santa has also dropped a sleigh full of gifts to unwrap while indulging in food, wine, and great family time.

It isn’t all magic, though. Financial and emotional stress during the holidays is so real, and depression strikes the hardest during this time of year. We all ride these ups and downs of the season, but I wanted to introduce a few things that I do with my family that may bring a little less stress to your house this Christmas and beyond.

Have a stress-free holiday season by setting aside money all year.Get ready all year.

‘Tis the season to swipe the credit card and worry about the bill later. Ah, but that bill will come and it may even bring its nasty friend — interest. I, for one, don’t want to pay out of obligation when my bill hits my mailbox, but would rather obtain Christmas gifts with no consequence. But how in the world can you do that? This may sound insane, but we start saving for Christmas in January. Seriously. By dedicating a portion of every paycheck to a Christmas fund, the holiday financial burden is nonexistent. We’re not spending extra money, but rather money we have put aside purposely for Christmas. In a two-income household, $10 from every (bi-monthly) paycheck will yield you $500 by this time next year. While it may be too late to put this into practice this year, consider adopting this in January for a completely different spending experience next year.

Have a stress-free holiday season by worrying less about perfect decor.Don’t expect the Pinterest-perfect decor.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been perusing and daydreaming over the home and holiday decor on Pinterest. I have to tell myself this all the time, but be practical. Your house can too be picture perfect, but maybe not this year. Or next. It takes so much self-control, and I am an advocate for treating yo self (see below), so definitely pick up a few items to perk up your decor, but leave it to a few things. My husband and I have been married for five years and we are still using the plastic Target ornaments that adorned his tree back in his bachelor apartment days. Luckily, our budget this year will include new ornaments and it is thanks to patience and planning on our part. By considering your budget and storage space and accumulating things little by little, I promise your house will be the house of Pinterest dreams in due time. 

Stop saying yes.

Again, I majorly suffer from this. Between office parties, ugly sweater parties, and “Favorite Things” parties, there is always an event to go to this time of year. Every list on the Internet about removing stress from your life involves this step: stop saying yes. Don’t say yes to every party. Don’t say yes to a promise to bring a homemade side dish. Everyone will eat the store bought pie just as quickly as they will your homemade version. Goodness, am I the pot or the kettle? I just had a discussion with my husband about this very thing the other day. Fully aware that one of my love languages is words of affirmation, I live for comments of how delicious my homemade goodies were at any and every event. I am alleviating it this year by making one pie and buying another to bring to a family gathering. Compromise, balance, and a few noes will keep you sane.

Treat yo self.

Tips for a stress-free holiday season - enjoy the special time with those you love!
My son, Charlie, on Christmas last year

As mamas, we tend to think about everyone else this time of year, making sure to keep everyone happy with marathon gift shopping, tree lightings, trips to see Santa, school parties, adult parties, and on and on. Don’t lose yourself in the hustle of the season. The holidays are a time when a lot of people can fall into a depression, and even though you’re surrounded by people all the time, the endless trips to the store, extra money, or reminders of those who can no longer celebrate this time with you can really take a toll on your spirit. Take a nice long bath to relax your muscles after running around the mall all afternoon. Go grab a caramel brûlée latte and don’t worry about the calories today. Lie on the couch after the kids are asleep and watch a Hallmark movie. Treat yo self, Mama. You deserve it.

So get out there with your Christmas savings in place, your store-bought treats, and your Starbucks splurge and tackle this Christmas worry- and stress-free!

How do you reduce stress during the holiday season?

2 COMMENTS

  1. I really enjoyed your blog Grandaughter. Your suggestions made good sense, if we would just follow them. Merrry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your sweet family. See you Christmas morning at LaLa’s house

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