8 Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

by - 11/27/2019 12:00:00 AM


Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I love everything about it, from the decor to the yummy treats that are made. Just everything about it is pretty amazing. However, the same joy that I have for the holidays, really stress people out. I've learned so much by trial and error. It's never too late to make this year run as smooth as possible. below I'm sharing 8 Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday.

8 Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

Plan Ahead

I can not tell you the importance of planning ahead of time whether you're hosting or a guest at a holiday gathering. If the person is hosting an event doesn't ask you to bring anything, offer. Why because if you don't you're going to be the first person that the contact when they need something last minute. From creating your shopping list in advance, create your menu plan, know what gifts your purchasing and for whom. Plan, plan, plan, you can't over plan.

Learn to Say NO!

Okay, you may not want to hear that. However, it's so important to learn how to say no. I get it, it's the holidays.  However, you deserve to enjoy the holidays too. If you know it's going to be too much for you, learn how to say no. "No, I can't bake a cake. However, I can pick one up from the store on my way." 

Create a budget
I am huge on creating a budget for the holiday season. I wrote several posts on it. It's so easy to get carried away with spending. Know what your budget is, and stick to it. 

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

I have to be honest with you. I'm still learning not to sweat the small stuff. I remember my first year making a red velvet cake. I forgot to purchase buttermilk. I was mid-way of making the cake and noticed that I was out of milk... I noticed that my local pharmacy was open and I decided to make a quick run to purchase some milk. Long story short. It wasn't the end of the world. I purchased the milk and googled how to make homemade buttermilk.

Buy what you can't make or Create

I love Martha Stewart. However, I know that I'm not her. Outsource whatever you can. I know those DIY projects sound like an amazing idea. However, be realistic with yourself. Instead of procrastinating and waiting until the last-minute has someone make or create it for you. I have no shame in buying pre-made desserts, and sides. My family loves candy yams and they are my least favorite to make and take a ton of time. Guess what I do? I purchase the pre-made version. Learn to not sweat the small stuff.

Prep As Much As You Can

Typically when I'm hosting a holiday dinner I create a list of To-do's, a shopping list as well as a list of everything that I need to work on that week. I prep as much as I can days before like place cards, menus, etc. I also make sure that I have everything that I need. I cook all of my desserts a day or two in advance and I try my best to make everything else the night before. 

Ask For Help

This is something that I struggle a lot with. I really hate bothering people so I tend to take everything on. When we typically have Christmas or New Years' dinner. I make everything. I started asking people to bring something. Food, drinks, dessert, cutlery. Anything helps! Even if you're asking friends/family to assist you to be on the lookout for a special gift that you have to purchase. It doesn't hurt to ask for help.

Enjoy 

We get so wrapped up in the holidays and making sure that everything and everyone is okay. Don't forget to actually enjoy the upcoming holidays. Plan some "me time" and self-care dates for yourself. Remember that you're no good to anyone else if you're a mess and barely functioning.


Do you have any stress-free holiday tips?

Pin for Later


You May Also Like

13 comments

  1. Oh gosh, I hate getting stressed. I always try to prep ahead when I can. And I create a budget for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The concept of STRESS during the holidays is just so foreign to me. I love the holidays so much. It's an amazing excuse to get to hang out with family and eat lots of food. How is this stressful?! lol

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ugh.. I agree with that #2 "Learn to say NO!" It's tough. BRUTAL.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Staying on a budget and saying NO is biggies with me. But I'm learning.

    ReplyDelete
  5. These are all fabulous tips! Planning and budgeting makes it so much more enjoyable in the long run-- no dreading January and the bills coming due!

    ReplyDelete
  6. These are great tips. One thing I really want to do this year is get all my gifts wrapped before Christmas Eve. My husband and I usually stay up really late wrapping and then we are tired the next morning.

    ReplyDelete
  7. For me, we can't really avoid being stress during this holiday season but these are great tips and will definitely help us to be prepare on that day.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love the stress free holidays. And I will definitely use these advice!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love stress free holidays! These are all great tips! I will be implementing them this next month.

    ReplyDelete
  10. These are wonderful tips for stress free holidays. I like it, Yes I need to say no first. then all my problem will be solved.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great tips! Planning ahead and creating a budget really work for us. I'm done shopping so now I can just relax and enjoy watching Christmas movies. :)

    -LYNNDEE

    ReplyDelete
  12. I come prepared with topics to talk about that aren't controversial, such as, What was your best accomplishment so far this year? That helps a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great tips! Budgeting is very important! I am so glad that I didn't spend a lot this Black Friday sale!

    ReplyDelete

ATTENTION: Are you a no-reply comment blogger? I only reply via email. If you would like to change this setting. Please go to your profile and check "show my e-mail address". TA-DA!

I would love to read your thoughts... Thanks for sharing Happy comments :).
~Mrs. Delightful

The Network Niche