The holidays are a busy time of year for everyone & It’s no secret it can be stressful. Especially when preparing our homes for the kids, expected & not so expected house guests. Our family’s regular schedule is pretty hectic already… so when you add in all the “extras” during the holidays, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Luckily throughout the years you learn what works and what doesn’t. It’s a lot of keeping favorites stocked up to keep everyone happy so time and money is not wasted! Here are a 10 of my favorite Stress Free Holiday Tips to Follow During the Holidays.
1. K.I.S.S
I can hear my mom’s voice , in fact she said this to me a couple days ago ” Keep it simple stupid”. haha I can’t help but laugh to myself with this one but it’s very true. When we already have too much on our plates it’s best to keep things as simple as possible. Take advantage of items like paper plates and plastic utensils, who wants to wash dishes all night? Not me, you’ll enjoy that extra time making memories with your family instead of working in the kitchen all day and night.
2. Be Creative
Spend time with the kids making DIY decorations , you’ll both appreciate the lasting memories. And you’ll have a sweet keepsake for years to come to proudly display.
3. Plenty of Coffee
Late nights and early mornings are consistent with the holidays. I make sure to have plenty of coffee stocked all year round but you’ll probably want more than normal for guests & all the running around we do this time of year. And don’t forget the cream and sugar!
4. Skip Schedules and Lower expectations ( mainly of yourself)
Nothing wrong with having pizza for dinner or a nice yummy sandwich. Vegetables are optional. Don’t get upset if gift packages don’t arrive on the day of the holiday. Family and friends are just happy you thought of them and it’s not another bill in the mail! haha
5. Leave a note
Place note cards around the house with your wifi password, this just makes things a lot easier for everyone. And it saves you the trouble of having to stop what your doing to dig it out.
6. Keep paper towels on hand & bathrooms stocked
A clean home is a happy home! ‘NNuf Said.
7. Just Say No
Remember it’s ok to say No. You din’t owe anybody anything. Whatever you do, whatever you say, people will judge you either fairly or harshly. Don’t let it ruin your day.If you’re basing your decision whether to say yes or to say no on the fact that you care about what other people will say, stop. It’s not worth all the trouble.
8. Order Pizza
If you have been running around all day, gifts still need to be wrapped and cards have to be filled out , do yourself a favor and order in! It’s one thing less you’ll have to do.
9. Take This Christmas Shortcut
Are you preparing a beautiful Christmas dinner? Order your local deli’s tangy side salad or the bakery’s pecan pie to complement your main course. You’ll save yourself time and unnecessary stress by taking this Christmas Shortcut and no one needs to know.
10. Make a List & Check it Twice
I make a list for both my husband and I. It keeps things in perspective and much more organized. When each task is crossed off your list it’s an accomplishment and you know when you’re almost at the finish line. It also makes it much more difficult to forget something if it’s on your list.
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