The winter holidays always sound great in theory. But the days leading up to Thanksgiving and then all those weeks until after New Year’s Eve are some of the most stressful times of the year. From hosting meals for family members, to decorating the Christmas tree, to going Christmas caroling, to decorating gingerbread houses, it seems like there’s always something else to do. Try to make the holidays a little more stress-free this year, and see what it’s like to actually enjoy yourself.
Don't overcommit
Plan your shopping now
Plan your holiday shopping now. Start with these holiday shopping guidelines by writing down the names of everyone you need to shop for and the number of gifts you want to get them. Then, brainstorm gift ideas.
Start shopping early
Start your holiday shopping early. Open tabs for online stores, and start filling the cart. Edit later based on Black Friday sales, changed minds, or better deals elsewhere. Hit “buy” when you’ve covered enough people and there is enough in the cart for free shipping.
Book babysitters ASAP
Call your favorite sitter now if you’re planning on going out for New Year’s Eve. If you’re in charge of Thanksgiving this year, see if you can book a few hours for the Wednesday before, so someone’s watching the kids while you’re doing last-minute prep. Line up someone for the office holiday party, Secret Santa drinks with your girlfriends, and at least one night out for you and your partner.
Set your budget in advance
Costs, in addition to time, can get away from you over the holidays. This adds to stress and diminishes the enjoyment of this wonderful time of year. Get your holiday budget in order now — not just for buying gifts but also for meals out, meals hosted, and babysitter costs. If you hire DJs for your holiday party or like to give hostess gifts, add something in the budget for those, too.
Keep your workouts
Don’t skip workouts, even when you’re full, hungover, or when you’re super tired from shopping, planning, and smiling. Your workouts will keep the stress at bay. And your body will thank you (after the fact, of course).
Avoid high-needs guests
Be selective when it comes to offering your home to out-of-town guests. Plan now so that you don’t feel trapped when your least-favorite relatives ask to stay with you for a week. Ungrateful, loud, or simply annoying guests take all the fun out of the holidays.
