8 Tips to Simplify the Holidays for Less Stress and More Joy

2 Junior Bakers with Sticky Fingers

Here are 8 tips to help simplify the holidays and create less stress and more joy at this festive time of year.

1. Think about holiday traditions and pastimes that are important to you and your family, and write a to-do list with that in mind. Organize tasks including gift buying and food and meal shopping and planning details. Don't forget to include relaxing and refreshing activities in the mix.

2. Acknowledge the reasons you celebrate the season, and focus on the overall themes of gratitude, love, giving, and togetherness.

3. Consider the why of your celebration and use your breath to set yourself up for a calmer holiday season. Think about the past year’s accomplishments and challenges, and recognize what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. Perhaps you will also reflect on future aspirations, focusing on who you want to spend time with and how you want to feel in the New Year.

4. Make self-care a priority. Maintain healthy habits like getting enough sleep, exercise, and time in nature. Release expectations that you can fit everything you want into each day. Instead of striving for perfection, set boundaries by saying "no" to over-commitment. Just remember your mental and physical health are impacted by the self-care choices you make.

Note: This post is intended for entertainment and educational purposes only, and is not intended as health advice. Speak to a health care provider if that is what you seek.

5. Share tasks to make holiday decorations, food prep, and planning a group effort.  Lighten your load and work with others, and get the bonus of providing space for connection with friends or family. Reserve time to relax and enjoy those people, places, and things you love. Also, don’t forget to rest and/or take breaks.

6. Go for quality over quantity. Don’t go overboard buying the fanciest decorations or an expensive toy for the kids. Be thoughtful about gift-giving. Be creative and give handmade food items or experience gifts rather than things. Memories are golden.

7. Update your vision of holiday gatherings, especially if your budget is stretched. Get together with friends for ice or roller skating, a festive lights tour, or a leisurely stroll after dinner. Companionship and sharing are real gems of the season. 

8. Laugh and play by hosting an ugly sweater competition or white elephant gift exchange. Find a relaxed, creative pursuit like making cookies or brownies to give as gifts. Why not partake of a simple holiday-themed outdoor activity like hiking or building a snowman? 

No matter when, where, or how you do it, try to pace yourself. When you want or need to kick-back, enjoy a cozy day indoors with a holiday movie marathon or a good book. Take extra time to pamper yourself by luxuriating in a hot shower, engaging in a spa day, or take a holiday yoga or Pilates' class.

Thanks dear readers and visitors for the time and attention you have given me this year. I am grateful for you.

Have you come up with ideas that simplify the holidays for you? Please share one or two in the comments section below.

What area or areas of holiday prep do you need to review or revise? Please share that below too. 

 

I like to get feedback, questions, and input from my readers, but will not be able to publish those comments that contain links. Thanks for understanding.

Wishing you a festive holiday season and many moments of sheer joy.

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