Destress for the Holiday Season

How to Destress for the Holiday Season

As stores gear up for the holiday season even before Halloween ends, Christmas decorations are already on display, TV channels are rolling out new holiday specials, and early Black Friday deals are everywhere. How can anyone avoid feeling overwhelmed and swept away by the tidal wave of holiday chaos? Let's look at some ways to destress the next two months.

Plans to Help Destress this Holiday Season

Organize your activities:  Create an activities calendar for all upcoming events.  Write down dates/times of places where you have to be.

Prioritize tasks to be done:  Put the list on your phone so it is always with you and can be updated as things get done.

What is your best time of day to work?  Are you a morning person, or evening, or night owl?  Do your bigger tasks or most important tasks when you are at your very best.  I am a morning person. I like to get up a little early - I generally feel refreshed in the morning and ready to take on the day.  By dinner time, I am getting tired and sometimes a little cranky, so this is not my best time to do a major project on my list.  

Gift List: Make a list of gifts of people to shop for this holiday season. Don't forget the extra people you may need to get gifts for such as teachers, mail carrier, dance teacher, or sanitation engineer. Keep a list of these folks with you when you are out shopping and look for sales throughout the year.  You do not have to break the bank and remember it is the thought that counts.  Even gift cards are a good choice. 

Meal Plan:  Start thinking about meals or dishes you will be responsible for providing.  Get your recipes out and make your grocery shopping lists.  Check your cupboards or pantries to see if you have any of the items on hand that you may need.  I sometimes over buy, and it is best to use up what you already have on hand.

**Make an extra dinner when you are making a weekly dinner and freeze one for the busy days ahead when you might be at a child’s Christmas concert, play, or need to be out shopping for the holidays.  It is so nice to know a meal is already made.  

**Make a leftover Thanksgiving casserole to use during the kids' winter break.  Our families love to do this - our mother used the leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, dressing, peas, gravy and she topped with cheese and froze it.  This was our family's dinner after church on Christmas Eve and everyone loved it.  All you do is layer this in a pan cover and freeze. 

**Shepard’s Pie is another good alternative to freeze. If you make a meatloaf and have extra this can be used as the meat in the pie, and then layer mashed potatoes, peas, and gravy. This freezes great and can then be popped in the oven on one of those busy nights.

Holiday Outfits: Plan children’s clothing for their school activities. Make a list and start shopping early so your sizes and colors are available for them. White tights, white dress shirts, black dress pants, and black dress shoes were usually the requirement for recitals, band, and chorus. Or does every family member have an outfit for that special religious service or holiday party you were invited to? Consignment shops can have beautiful clothes at a fraction of the cost so see if these stores are near you.

Cleaning Schedules:  If you are having the party, you will be cleaning.  Make a list of chores to be done and recruit family helpers or hire help if you can.  

Tree trimming or Decoration Clean Up: Plan fun food and music to get the family in the mood to help. The idea is to create some excitement around these activities so, while the work is getting done you are making memories as a family.

SELF CARE:  When you begin to feel overwhelmed, don’t forget to take five minutes for yourself.  Step away from the hustle and bustle and find a quiet space.  Light a candle, play some soothing music, and focus on your breath.  As your thoughts race back to what needs to be done, remind yourself to focus on breathing in and out.  If it helps, breathe in for a count of four and exhale for a count of four. 

**If you can, treat yourself to a massage, or a manicure. You deserve a little pampering for making sure the holidays go off without any issues and everyone enjoys themselves. You are special, too, so take time for yourself.  By doing this, you have more to give to others.  

We hope whatever holidays you celebrate with family and friends, that they are full of fun, love, and grace. By taking a little extra time to be organized and recruiting help, the holiday season won't be so much work but a time to enjoy.

Let us know in the comments below some ways you organize your holidays - we would love to learn your tips to destress this time of year!