By: Victoria H
It’s that magical time of year where the holidays are upon us! There is so much hustle and bustle as you begin to juggle family gatherings, shopping lists, decorating, and managing your little ones’ excitement. It is easy to put pressure on ourselves to make the holidays as perfect as possible and that can become overwhelming very quickly. This season, try to give yourself permission to slow down and simplify this process so you can get the most out of your celebrations.
The quickest way to protect your peace is to be upfront about what you can realistically handle. It is okay to set boundaries with how much you are willing to contribute. Not being able to host or dialing back elaborate meals can help keep your stress levels low. Setting realistic expectations is a healthy way to prevent yourself from feeling stretched too thin. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to enjoy the holidays, not collapse under the pressure of them.
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and spend a lot of money. Everything from travel, matching pajamas, and the perfect gifts can really add up. It is important to make a budget and stick to it! Remind yourself that you don’t need a lot of things to make special memories. Cozy movie nights, homemade treats, or walking about the neighborhood to see all the decorations can be just as meaningful. The holidays are more about presence than presents.
While presents are a fun part of the festivities, you shouldn’t have to manage the entire gift-list yourself! You may want to consider starting a Secret Santa or create a White Elephant gift exchange to keep things fun and affordable for your family and friends. If loved ones are scattered, you can share online wishlists to make the giving simpler and to help avoid duplicate items. This will help everyone focus less on quantity and more on quality of the gifts given.
Most importantly, it is ok to ask for help. You really don’t have to do it all! Maybe your partner can make a grocery run, grandparents could take over baking holiday sweets, or trade babysitting time with a friend to wrap presents. Small acts of delegation can make a big difference in preparation.
Take it one day at a time! Make sure to protect your peace and focus on what matters the most. Nothing can ever be perfect and sometimes it is the imperfections that make the best memories. After all, the holidays are about spending time together with joy and love not anxiety and stress. The kids will never be this small again so take a deep breath, let go of unrealistic expectations, and allow yourself to enjoy every moment. You deserve it!