The holidays are now upon us, that special time of year when wistful nostalgia washes over us like a cozy, sentimental blanket. But as much as we love the idea of the holidays, the reality of how demanding and stressful the season can be may swiftly fill us with dread.
It doesn’t have to be that way! We do have control over how the holiday season plays out, although it definitely requires taking a mindful approach. Read on for some creative ways to maximize the Christmas spirit while minimizing the craziness.
Make a Game Plan
Try to avoid approaching the Christmas season in a scattershot, unorganized manner, as that only results in stress. Instead, try these helpful tips:
- Use a planner or phone app to create a game plan for the holidays. To gain a sense of control, plug in shopping days, social events, baking, volunteer activities, and family gatherings. You’ll feel organized and empowered.
- Make a gift list early on so you can get a jump on it.
- Order your holiday cards early, and schedule a date to address and mail them.
- Make any travel plans early to capture the lowest fares and reduce stress.
Shop Early
Avoid the harried last minute shopping frenzy by starting your gift shopping early. It is never too early to pick up that little gift for a relative, spouse, or friend. If you spot the perfect gift for someone on your list, grab it and cross them off.
Get a head start on those hard-to-locate items. Do your internet shopping early to ensure gifts arrive on time. Another advantage to shopping early is wrapping the gifts as you go. This avoids gathering a huge stack of items that need wrapping as the holiday draws near, lightening your load and making room for more fun in your schedule.
Pace Yourself
While it may be difficult to avoid all that hectic energy as you get closer to Christmas, with a bit of self-pacing you can avoid much of the stress. To avoid expending too much of your precious energy and risk burning out, try these tips to help pace yourself during the holidays:
- Stick to your holiday planner and schedule tasks using realistic time allotments.
- Make a daily To-Do list to keep yourself organized and on track.
- Be mindful of your mental health. If you’re feeling stressed and anxious, you may have taken on too much. To help manage anxiety during the holidays – and beyond – try this meditation course.
Practice Self-Care
The demands of the season can exact a heavy toll on wellness, both physical and mental. Make a point to set aside time for at least one self-care activity per week. These may include:
- Treating yourself to a Swedish massage
- Getting a facial
- Indulging in a deluxe pedicure
- Prioritizing sleep with warm baths and aromatherapy
- Keeping up with your fitness schedule as much as possible
Stick to a Budget
Holiday hangovers aren’t always about drinking. Overspending is a common casualty of being swept up in the swirl of consumerism when the bills roll in. Avoid overspending this year by creating a realistic gift budget and then sticking to it. You can even track your expenditures on a phone app to help you adhere to your holiday budget.
Soak in the Delights of the Season
With the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s easy to lose focus on the magical beauty of this special time of year. Here are some ways to refocus your mindset on the meaning of the season and help you achieve a deep sense of inner peace:
- Make some quiet time just for you. Watch a classic holiday movie, listen to your favorite holiday music, or read an inspiring story.
- Consider volunteering at a local charity or soup kitchen.
- Go caroling with a group of friends.
- Drive around the local neighborhoods to check out all the festive Christmas lights, followed by some hot chocolate or warm cider.
By taking control over the potentially stress-inducing aspects of the holiday season, you can navigate Christmas time with purpose while also retaining your sanity. This year, make that wistful nostalgic feeling last all season long with a little positive preparation for the holidays.
