The holidays are exciting but can be stressful if you’re not prepared. Yes, I know; that’s obvious. But too many moms don’t address this, at least not effectively.
It’s easy to get distracted and sidetracked this time of year. And you’re probably creating an even heftier to-do list in preparation.
If you’re already planning more than you can handle, just like last year and the year before that, and are ready to break the cycle, keep reading.
You might even convince yourself it’s okay to be overwhelmed by saying, “It comes only once a year!”
Too much stress is not good for you. Period.
The thing is, you can still have a memorable and enjoyable holiday season without overdoing it.
- Ever feel disappointed with yourself for not doing enough for your family during the holidays?
- Do you beat yourself up because you didn’t make your home cozy or festive enough?
- Do you feel that Christmas would be ruined if you didn’t get the perfect gifts or bake the best holiday desserts?
I could go on because moms are so hard on themselves, especially during the holidays.
I’ll share what you can start doing now, so you can kick your feet up and enjoy quality time with your family this season without the pressure.
I’ll share seven doable ways to help you navigate the holiday season with ease, even when you’re strapped for time.
So, grab a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in!
Need a little boost with planning? A lot happens throughout the holidays, get organized and stay on top of Christmas spending, delivering, tasks, events and other planning with my Holiday Planner Spreadsheets.
Grab this Ready-For-You Google Sheets template and make holiday planning a breeze.
1.Prioritize and Simplify
The first step to conquering the holiday chaos is to prioritize and simplify. Take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you and your family during this time. Easier said than done, right?
It can be hard to prioritize when everything is a priority. Considering how fast the holidays fly by, it will be to your benefit to narrow down what you value most.
Is it spending quality time together? Creating homemade gifts? Hosting a festive gathering? Once you’ve identified your values, make that your focus for the holidays. Remember, it’s okay to let go of non-essential tasks and traditions that may add unnecessary stress to your plate.
Quick step-by-step to prioritizing.
- Set realistic goals: Choose no more than three tasks to achieve for the day.
- Evaluate tasks for Importance and Urgency: Make sure that your chosen tasks are truly priorities. Use the priority matrix to help you.
- Schedule tasks: Add tasks to your calendar, and be specific about when and where you will complete these tasks.
- Assess your progress: You can reflect at the end of the day or the end of the week.
- Don’t forget to take breaks: The holidays can take a toll, so make sure to decompress to reduce stress.
2. Start Planning Now
Planning is the secret weapon of busy moms during the holiday season. Start by creating a master to-do list, breaking it down into manageable tasks. Set deadlines for each task and create a schedule that incorporates both your regular routines and holiday preparations. By planning, you’ll have a clear roadmap to follow, reducing the chances of last-minute stress.
If you need a simple planner for the holidays, get the Holiday Planner and Tracker Spreadsheets Template. It has everything you need to stay on track with your budget, gifts, cards, a Christmas prep checklist, a November and December calendar, and more. It’s simple and easy to use, so you can enjoy the holidays instead of stressing about them.
Learn more about the Holiday Planner & Tracker.
3. Delegate and Collaborate
You don’t have to do it all by yourself! The holidays are a time for togetherness, so why not enlist the help of your loved ones?
Delegate tasks to your partner, children, or even extended family members. Assign responsibilities such as gift shopping, meal planning, or decorating. Collaborating not only lightens your load but also creates an opportunity for everyone to contribute and feel involved in the holiday preparations.
Don’t fall into the trap of doing it all yourself! Let go of some of the control so you can enjoy the holidays too!
4. Take Advantage of Online Shopping
Forget long lines and crowded malls! If you haven’t already, start embracing online shopping.
Online shopping can save you time, energy, and money. Use deal sites and rewards to get the best deals. Make it even easier by considering a gift-wrapping service. Remember, delegate and outsource whatever you can. No guilt!
5. Create a Holiday Menu Game Plan
Oh, the holiday food! It’s a vital part of the experience, but it can also be a major source of stress if you don’t have a game plan. If you don’t already have your chosen holiday dishes, you can start by selecting a few based on your family’s preferences. Get feedback and let your family participate in the meal planning.
If you want to keep it simpler, there are other options, like pre-made appetizers or desserts. Additionally, consider potluck-style gatherings where each guest brings a dish, lightening your cooking load and adding variety to the feast.
Free up even more time by getting meal kits. Gobble has some amazing options.
6.Self-Care is a Non-Negotiable
If the holiday season is chaotic in your world, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care.
You hear it often, and you’re probably sick of being told to practice self-care. But the truth is, you won’t have the energy to enjoy the season. You’ll be hanging on by a thread and wishing it were over. You don’t want to be in that situation.
Prioritize it. Make it a habit all year round.
Schedule it into your daily routine, whether it’s enjoying a hot bath, reading a book, or taking a walk. By taking care of yourself, you’ll have the energy and mental clarity to tackle your holiday preparations.
7. Ditch Perfection and Enjoy the Moment
Last but not least, it’s important to embrace imperfection and allow yourself to enjoy the present moment. The holidays are about cherishing time with loved ones, making memories, finding joy in the little things, and restoring your energy and mental health.
Release the pressure of perfection and instead focus on what’s important to you and your family.
Every family is different, and so will their values. If baking cookies together makes the holidays magical, do it. If baking is the last thing you and your family think of when it comes to making memories, then putting your time and energy into something else makes more sense.
Communicate to identify what your family’s memory makers are, enjoy every moment, and keep it simple.
Preparing for the holidays when you’re a busy mom can be daunting, but with the right mindset and practical strategies, it can be a joyful and fulfilling experience.
Remember, the true essence of the holidays lies in the moments shared with loved ones. So take a deep breath, follow these tips, and savor every precious moment this holiday season brings.
Need a little boost with planning?
Get organized this holiday season. Planner includes:
- Christmas Budget and Gift Tracking
- Christmas card tracker
- Christmas checklist
- November & December calendars
- Christmas Itinerary
- Christmas recipe log
- Holiday Bucket List (Fill-in)
- Holiday Tips
Grab this Ready-For-You template and make holiday planning a breeze.
Hi, I’m Melanie. I’m the woman behind Mommy Life Strategies. Here you will discover ways to manage your time more efficiently, how to create positive daily habits that stick, mindset exercises that energize, and health & wellness tips that work even for the busiest moms.