How to Keep Yourself Stress-Free This Holiday

The holidays are HERE, and you have a mountain of work, school events, play dates, cooking, and shopping to do. And remember the classic movies you watch. How does one manage to do EVERYTHING in just a few weeks? Here are some of my go-to tips, and I hope they assist you in your errands:

Start Shopping Early

I know, I know but keep this nugget for the 2022 season. If you have young kids, this may be tricky as their gift wants change almost daily, but if there are standard items you know they want or you exchange with adult friends, you can get these purchased in October and check that off your list. Trust me; you will feel very relieved.

Order Online

I say it every year "thank you internet!" Now with Walmart and Target shipping for free, it almost feels wrong not to order online. I agree with new clothing purchases or a new store; you want to see and touch it first, but if it's a typical purchase, you are good. And you can have a glass of wine while shopping, such a bonus, right?

Holiday Cards

If you are one of the few dinosaurs who still send a Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa card, address them in November. Last year I had picture cards done, so that was less writing for me since the company printed my sentiments. All I had to do was address the envelope while I watched my favorite shows!

Gift Wrapping

This one is tricky if you have young kids because you have to wrap while they are asleep, which is usually when you want to tuck them in for the night. If you have a plus one, you can take turns wrapping. Unless you are the primo wrapper in the family and want to do it yourself, have the other adult keep the kids entertained while you wrap. My Mum used to close herself in her bedroom and say she was "talking to Santa," so we never disturbed her. What if Santa heard us annoying our Mum and decided not to stop at our house???? Now with the "Elf on a Shelf" gimmick, I'm sure you can spin something. 

If you are single, try trading off with another parent with watch duties. They are in the same boat and might love a reprieve to handle wrapping alone too!

Have Fun

We all know the holiday season has exploded with buying too many toys, clothes, and electronic devices, but if you can't enjoy them, is it worth it? When my boys were little, I didn't even open my gifts. I only wanted to watch them open and enjoy what "Santa" or the dog gave them. Even though my sons are adults, that's still my favorite part of the holidays. I sit there and watch them open the gifts and remember that the season is for getting together with people we love and enjoying our moments. That's what we should not forget.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa to all of you, and a Happy New Year!

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