by Maria White
While this time of year can be one of the most enjoyable, it also ends up being one of the most stressful! Between holiday decorating, shopping, parties, cards to be sent, school performances, and traveling, it becomes quite a hectic time in our family. I know I am not alone. It seems all around me everyone is harried and trying to figure out how they are going to get everything done in time. Doesn’t this seem to be the wrong message to be sent during this time of year, when really we should be slowing down and celebrating friends, family and another year?
Here are some ways to simplify and reduce stress during this busy time of year:
- Prioritize – Your “To-Do” list is likely quite lengthy, so select the most important and only get those checked off. The rest can wait or will not be missed.
- Put expectations aside – Don’t hold yourself up to the expectations of everyone else! You don’t HAVE to get the cards out on time or create all the Elf on the Shelf scenes you see on Pinterest! Choose what is most important to your family and stick with it!
- Make memories – The shopping and decorations can wait. Take the time to make memories with your loved ones right now. Many times you look back and wish that you could have enjoyed yourself a little more or taken in the sweet voices of your rapidly growing kiddos.
- Simplify gift exchanges – Draw names or come up with a special theme for gift giving with extended family. It can get super expensive to buy everyone a gift, so come up with a fun system and make the gifts more meaningful!
I hope that this can serve as a little reminder to stop for just a minute and savor the joy the season has to offer, and be grateful for the loved ones in your life!
Here’s to a holiday season filled with health, happiness, and togetherness!
What are your favorite ways to beat the holiday stress??
