How to Stress Less During the Holidays and Enjoy Yourself

The holidays can be a stressful time for moms. Learn how to stress less during the holidays and enjoy yourself by following these simple but practical tips.

Stress Less Tips for the Holidays

 

Do you feel caught up in the spirit of the holidays? Is anyone feeling stressed yet from all of the shopping, and planning, and cooking, and decorating, and baking?

I’m getting a little stressed just thinking about it all!

I don’t know about you, but this time of year brings a lot of anxiety for me. A lot is added to my plate as a mom this time of year when my plate is already pretty full. I seem to spend an awful amount of time making sure this time of year is magical for everyone else.

Do you feel the same way?

Stress Less During the Holidays

It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday whirlwind; that’s a fact. Here are some ways we can all enjoy ourselves a little more without being so stressed:

​Say one thing you’re grateful for every day. 

You don’t have to hop on social media and make a post about it, but every day at the start of the day, think of at least one thing you’re grateful for. Not only does it help you start your day on a positive note, but it will help you to make it a habit to express an ounce of gratitude every day, not just during the holidays.

Don’t try to be perfect or outdo.

It’s so tempting to want a Pinterest Thanksgiving…A perfectly set table with perfect place settings and perfect food and perfect center pieces…Do those things make the meal, or is it the fact that you’re with family and friends that’s important? Or what about perfectly wrapped Christmas presents, complete with Pinterest-worthy bows and ribbons?

Stress less about being perfect or having to outdo the Pinterest crowd and stick with really nice and practical.

Plan ahead. 

I am a list maker. I have a list for everything, including the holidays. Not only does it help me know what is needed, it helps me to know what’s coming up next. I can plan ahead and start working on things in advance so it doesn’t all need to be done at once.

Get a Printable Christmas Planner to organize your holiday! 

Decide on a budget and stick to it.

Something that stresses most of us out is how much money we spend during the holidays. Spending habits can get out of control really fast, and before you know it, you’ve spent too much. Before the holidays, decide on a budget that suits your lifestyle and stick to it. As a bonus, check out some money saving apps that can help you save money or earn cash back rewards down the road when you’re out shopping for supplies, decorations, and gifts.

Delegate, delegate, delegate. 

When you can, share your to-do list with your spouse, kids, extended family, etc. Don’t try to get it all done alone. Can your spouse pick up ingredients needed for your family meal? Can your kids set the table or clean up the house for guests? Can your extended family split responsibilities needed for the big meals or take turns hosting?

When my family gets together during the holidays, we split up the menu and each bring one main menu item to my grandmother’s house for the holiday meal. It takes the burden off of my grandmother and we all get to take part in the meal planning and prepping.

Don’t feel the need to attend all holiday activities. 

There’s no need to attend every holiday party or activity you’re invited to. Doing so can just drain you of energy, leaving you feeling stressed, especially when you may have so many other things to do.

Choose a few activities that you really want to attend, and politely decline the rest.

Remember why.

When you’re in the middle of getting ready for the holidays, it can be easy to forget why you’re even celebrating them. When you can, take a timeout for few minutes of your day to stop what you’re doing and reflect on why you celebrate the holidays and what they mean to you.

Stressing Less During the Holidays This Year

I’m planning on taking my own advice this year, especially remembering why I’m celebrating the holidays.

I hope that you too are able to stress less this holiday season. We deserve to enjoy ourselves too, even while making things as magical​ for our families.

Is there something you do to help you stress less during the holidays? Share your own tips or suggestions in a comment below! 

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