Planning a Low-Stress Holiday
Inevitably after Halloween we hit the ground running into the upcoming holiday season. Our mailboxes overflow with catalogs, there are invitations to respond to, cards to send, and gatherings to host. We make lists and run errands and plan trips. And sometimes all this planning becomes more stressful than merry. Whether you’re staying home or traveling this season, we’ve included our tips for making your holidays as easy and low stress as possible.
Get Ahead
With the shipping delays we’ll likely experience through the holidays, this is a good time to brainstorm gift ideas and jot down anything that might be on your mind. Our brain dump +page is ideal for this.
Shop Small
Support small businesses and makers this season! Local and family businesses will appreciate the support. If you’re ordering online, give small shop owners plenty of time to fulfill your orders by placing orders early. They will appreciate the extra time and you’ll have one more item crossed off your list. Our holiday gifting +page will help you keep track of purchases, which items have arrived, and your expenses.
Staging Area
If you’re traveling over the holidays, designate a corner in your home to collect things for your trip. While growing up, we referred to this as the staging area. Headphones for the plane? The cake dish you need to return to your sister? The snow pants and boots for outdoor play? Put them in the staging area when you’re thinking of it. This will ease packing suitcases and loading the car when you are ready to leave.
Write it Down & Pack Light
There is a lot to keep track of as the holidays approach. Utilize the Travel +page as you plan the details of your trip and check off as you go along. We love the timeline section on this page. Thinking through each day of the trip will help narrow down what to bring. And while these seasons require packing more than usual (Cold weather layers! All the gifts!), consider packing lighter. Bring a smaller suitcase and travel with fewer items. Mail gifts ahead of your arrival. The less to pack, the less to keep track of when you head out!
Let the Extras Go
If you’re feeling stressed, let the extras go. We tend to get tied to maintaining annual traditions and plans. But sometimes we need to take some items off our plates. If it feels like too much it probably is. If you need to cancel some plans or forgo baking homemade treats, simplify your plans. Your family and friends will appreciate a rested, present version of yourself to any gift, holiday outing, or party.
Stay Flexible & Patient
If the last few months have taught us anything it is to remain flexible. With travel delays, waves of sickness, inclement weather, and changing health guidelines, it’s a good idea to stay flexible with plans. Things can change quickly and you may need to adjust accordingly. If you are flying this year, give yourself extra time. Airlines are short-staffed and airports will be busier than usual. Be patient, kind, and bring plenty of snacks for the kids.
Take Care
It may feel impossible but try to build a little self-care time into your schedule everyday. Take five minutes in the morning to stretch and meditate before the rest of the house wakes. If you are able, head to bed 30 minutes earlier in the evening. Get some fresh air with a daily walk or complete a strength workout. Try ten minutes of restorative yoga before bed. Find a friend to help hold you accountable. Hydrate with plenty of water and eat nourishing foods. Thank your body for all it allows you to do everyday. Use your weekly pages to schedule exercise, organize meal plans, and stay on top of drinking water.
Manage Expectations
The holiday season can be both magical and difficult. For many of us, the holidays bring a sense of loss or highlight difficulties we face. Perhaps you have a strained relationship with a family member. If you are struggling, remember to breathe. Find love and support in someone you trust. Define what boundaries you need and make a plan. If you are feeling disappointment and heartbreak, give yourself time to grieve and then look for peace in those you love and small glimmers of beauty in your day.
We want to hear from you! Share your tips for a low-stress holiday below.