This time of year can conjure up stressful feelings for many, so how can we all enjoy stress-free holidays? Here are some of our tried and true tips to help...
Generational Differences
The more conversations I have with people who are in their early to mid-40s and younger, I'm finding that many of them have horrible memories associated with the holidays.
Lots of stress, way too much scrambling and even family tension. Because of this, more and more people feel like they don't want anything to do with the holiday season. And I can't blame them!
But perhaps our focus is on the wrong thing! There are ways to enjoy this holiday season without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. There are ways to incorporate fun holiday traditions that the whole family will look forward to.
Maybe the thing that's been missing is the right perspective!
Ways to Enjoy Stress Free Holidays
- Ask Why - Before putting all the pressure on yourself to live up to these immaculate holidays that we see on social media, Pinterest, or in magazines, ask yourself, "What's the point?" Knowing why you're doing something can sometimes give you the right perspective to find enjoyment, or it can let you off the hook and you may realize some of the things you're doing aren't necessary at all.
- There's Always Another Thing - When you start filling your calendar with all the holiday events, you'll soon realize that there's always another thing and no time to relax. There's usually no end in sight until after the New Year. So choose the most important to you and your family, and be OK with saying no to the rest.
- Come Back to the Heart of Christmas - For our family, the heart of Christmas and why we celebrate this time of year is to celebrate the birth of Jesus. When you keep Christ at the center of all the holiday traditions, this will help put into perspective those activities that might not fit.
- Think Outside the Box - When it comes to giving Christmas gifts, think outside the box! Not everyone who has affected your life this year needs a gift. How about making a handmade card with a nice note of thanks? You could also have a large cookie-making day and put together plates of cookies for those in your life. But please, don't go broke or spend upwards of $200 on Christmas cards just because you feel like you need to give something to everyone. Make an inexpensive DIY Christmas wreath, or check out this post if you're looking for a homemade Christmas gifts guide.
- Say No to the Sugar - There's nothing wrong with indulging in some sugar a few times during the holidays. But it becomes pretty easy to justify this time of year to overindulge and end up not feeling well after a month of too many treats. Not only will you gain weight and inhibit your immune system, but you'll actually create stress in your body, adding to the chaos of the holidays. If you're looking for a low-sugar treat, try these homemade chocolate coconut balls.
- Draw Names - If you have a lot of people in your family, consider drawing names and purchasing a gift for just one person (some people called this "Secret Santa"). This will reduce the number of gifts you're buying for people, and you may even find gift-giving to be more enjoyable. We always have a set budget that each person can spend, and this year we layered in a new tip where each person writes down three things they'd like to receive. This helps the giver have some ideas if they get stuck, also eliminating stress of buying the "perfect gift." For more ideas, check out our guide for Christmas homesteading gifts.
- Do Stockings - If you're a mom who is feeling like you want to do something special for each of your children, you may want to consider getting stockings. This is a way for us to give each of our children something we know they've wanted. They're never very expensive, but they're fun little things they'll use throughout the year.
- In our house, these are items like rechargeable batteries, keychain flashlights, little army men or toy cars, and the one thing everyone looks forward to is we always put one piece of tropical fruit in each stocking! It's something special for our kids and everyone loves it.
- Don't Put Pressure On Yourself - During the holidays, kids and adults tend to have time off. Don't let this equate to added pressure on yourself to make each meal special. This isn't necessary. In fact, you don't always need to be the one cooking! If you're expecting guests, ask them to bring their favorite holiday side dish. Put an age-appropriate child in charge of cooking the green beans, and make some easy make-ahead breakfast casseroles to help keep those mornings calm and stress-free.
- Bring People In - It's always important to remember there are people in your community who are alone this time of year. Consider opening up your doors and inviting these people into your home to enjoy a stress free holiday right alongside you.
