It’s supposed to be the best time of the year… but sometimes it ends up being the most stressful! Consider these 5 tips for making your holidays less stressful.
Separate needs from wants.
Do you need to bake pies for all 10 houses in your neighborhood by Christmas Eve? Be able to tell the difference between what you’d like to do and what you have to do. The holiday should be just that — a holiday!
Make your own traditions.
While it was fun to act out The Nativity every year with a full set and costumes (and even a live orchestra — where did that come from anyway?!), don’t feel like it’s something you have to continue with your own family (unless you want to!). Feel free to make your own traditions!
Go with the flow.
Nothing is going to go completely according to plan during such a busy time. Be flexible. Be willing to adjust your schedule to accommodate a spontaneous snowball fight or take out making gingerbread houses if there isn’t time. Just take in the moment and don’t get too wound up over little things that go awry.
Ease up on the clean up.
Again, it’s a holiday for goodness’ sake! Is it totally necessary to get your Christmas tree taken down by 12:00 AM on Dec. 26? Do you really have to put every piece of wrapping paper in the trash before the next present is opened? Give yourself a break and let the dishes pile up while you enjoy time with your loved ones.
Pick your (photo) moments.
It’s easy to be so busy pulling out the camera that you miss the beautiful scene unfolding before you. Decide when a photo op is more important than taking the moment in.