December might be the busiest and craziest time of the year, especially considering the amount of holiday preparation that has to be done and the money that is normally spent on Christmas.
When the most wonderful time of the year hits you with a load of additional responsibilities, shopping chores, family duties, and holiday preparations, it’s not too difficult to fall out of the festive spirit and get quite stressed and overwhelmed with everything you need to do and survive this Christmas season.
If you feel like you’re drowning in the doubtful Christmas joys and it seems that you’re being torn apart by Christmas shopping, making sure to include everyone on your gift shopping list, sending a pile of cards no one ever reads, but gets quite upset with you when doesn’t receive one from you, being broke after all the purchases, decorating your space, attending numerous parties, cooking and cleaning for the one you’re about to host, use these tips to survive this holiday and actually manage to enjoy it.
Don’t set your expectations too high
Things rarely go to plan, and they never do when it comes to organizing a huge Christmas party for all. Try to be less of a perfectionist and make your holiday preparation more manageable by splitting the tasks among people who’re more than glad to help and concentrating on what’s most important.
There’s nothing that may ruin your holiday as bad as being stuck in the middle of nowhere on Christmas Eve/Day.
Thus, if you’re going to spend this Christmas at your family member’s house, make sure to bring your vehicle to a quick check at the auto repair’s before you embark on a long road trip to prevent unexpected breakdowns caused by hidden flaws or maintenance issues you slacked on. Avoid traveling hassle by packing beforehand and leaving your house a day-two early not to get into the terrible traffic.
Don’t be all over the place
Once you promise too much, you get too stressed about making sure that you’re actually able to stick to your words. Thus, plan the moths thoroughly and promise to attend only the parties and activities you really have time for.
Do a good share of your gift shopping online and never go beyond your budget
That will save you a lot of time and energy, as well as money, as you’ll be able to compare prices and find the best deals without running around numerous stores and trying to find a parking place in front of those busy malls scoring their year-worth revenue. Pour a delicious cup of coffee, grab a few snacks and shop for the people you love without leaving the house and giving in to the Christmas shopping anxiety.
If you want my personal opinion, an alternative to shopping for that perfect gift that says everything you want to say is to make your own. Nothing will carry a stronger message than a present you have created as a one-off especially for a particular person. You could create unique gifts such as calendars, mugs and wall art using your own photographs by going to websites such as Design Bundles.
You can easily use one of more mockups and create something really special. For example, this year I used a mock up to create personalized Christmas ornaments for all the family. They turned out amazing and I can’t wait to see them in our Christmas tree.
You don’t necessarily have to use these only for the Christmas holiday. You can create special birthday cards, or invitations, gifts for Valentine’s day, or any other occasion for that matter. Really the sky is the limit when it comes to your imagination.
Have fun
While making sure that everyone enjoys Christmas and receives everything they wished for, it’s quite easy to let the holiday go by unnoticed and forget to enjoy the moment and feel the spirit of the grand festivities. Make even routine chores projects like decorating the house, going grocery shopping for Christmas Eve dinner or watching a Christmas movie with your kids just a little bit extra special.
Make Christmas shopping a lot easier by purchasing not material things, but experiences for the whole family or a group of friends. Tickets to a show you’ll always remember or a day at the spa you may spend together will be much greater gifts than another ugly sweater, gift card or kitchen appliance everyone receives every single year.
Imperfection is perfection
Sometimes we avoid inviting friends over during the holidays unless everything is perfect right the right meal, the house completely decorated and cleaned, a gift purchased. Let that go and enjoy spontaneous get-togethers to share a meal or simply some time together. Don’t miss connections waiting for perfection. Do you want to know a little secret? If you’re not in the mood to cook, or clean after and so on, why not just go out and enjoy a lovely Christmas day dinner? You get to enjoy amazing food, in a beautiful location with great company, so why not just go for it?
Don’t be ashamed to ask for assistance
Christmas is for sharing, that’s why everyone should take part in pre-holiday preparations. Ask your family members to take an active part in signing and sending cards, cleaning the house, preparing guest bedrooms or cooking Christmas dinner and let your guests help you set the table and clean up after dinner and gift opening.
Enjoy the outdoors
It doesn’t matter where you live, in a cold or warm climate, spend time outside absorbing the natural beauty of this time of year. The smells, the sounds, the climate of December are all part of the joyful anticipation of Christmas. As you decorate for the season, bring some of the beauty from the outside into your home. Cut branches and holly berries to put on your mantle or in an arrangement. With a little imagination, everything is possible!
Make Christmas Day unforgettable
Instead of ripping into gifts and rushing through the morning, open gifts one-at-a-time. Enjoy each person’s pleasure of giving and receiving. Light candles, put on music, and intersperse gift opening with breakfast, laughter, and connection.
No comments