How to Trade Holiday Madness for Peace

Tis the season … to lose your mind!   The holidays are upon us and many begin to feel the stress of all that needs to be done.  The decorating, shopping, baking, cards, and other traditions that we value for our families take up so much time. We already pack our days to the max between work, kids’ activities, and maintaining our homes and relationships; how can we fit it all in?

Start Early

In November I am thinking ahead to the weeks we have left and when I will schedule each task.  I like to get my shopping done before December 1 to avoid crowds and potential delays.  Getting wish lists from my kids and other family members, I break it up, buying some each week.  I save stocking stuffers for last and focus on ordering bigger items to make sure they arrive on time.  Cards are mailed out by December 1 as we have some international friends and family.  I write up my traditional Christmas letter so that it is ready to mail with the cards.  We decorate inside and out and put up our tree by the last weekend of November.  I know that I will need to set aside time that weekend.  Finally, I do baking and food preparation a few days before Christmas. I know that I need to order or get the items by mid-December.

Make Lists

I keep lists of each gift that I purchase so that I can stay on budget. This also keeps things even between the kids.  It is important to be careful to save all receipts.  I also list decor that I want to purchase or order. Then I do an inventory of what is in our storage room each year.  This includes wrapping paper, gift bags, clothing boxes, tape, labels, and bows so that I can purchase more as needed.   Additional items like gift card holders, candy, and stocking stuffers also go on a list of “last-minute” purchases.  Making lists and then adding and crossing things off is the best way to stay on track. It means I won’t forget about anything important.  Doing a “brain dump” like this before the season starts helps to get out all the must-do’s. Then, continually check it against your progress.

Shopping Tips

I like to go to the mall on an evening early in the week.  Mondays or Tuesdays tend to be very quiet in the stores with little to no lineups.  It is well worth making the effort to avoid the extra stress from the craze of the weekends.  Shopping online is convenient, but it’s important to check the shipping dates so that there is no disappointment.  Amazon Prime is a sure way to make sure that nothing arrives late if the item is an important one.  This goes for decor that you may want to add as well.  We always purchase our turkey well in advance (at least a few weeks) to avoid having a limited selection.  If I order baking from fundraisers, I make sure I will have it for the dates I am hosting.  I have my family members send me gift requests and ideas in early November. That way I can plan out what to purchase each week leading up to December.  

Wrapping and Organizing

In the past, I have waited until the last minute to wrap everything.  This might be 2-3 nights before Christmas, but it was still stressful. Having so many things to organize, wrap, tag, and find appropriate size gift bags takes time.  Now, I strive to wrap as I go, doing a little each week. That way it is easier to store and hide the presents safely.  I also do a trial run of the stockings, making sure everything fits. Then I store the items in gift bags until Christmas. When I donate to charity collections or the food bank, I get this ready at least the week before. With dates picked out to deliver or drop off the items, I don’t miss these opportunities.

I absolutely love and adore the whole Christmas season – the lights, the music, the traditions, and the general good spirits of everyone at this time of year.  The hustle and bustle and stress that it often turns into for many can be avoided with careful planning and organization.  Using a calendar to set mile markers of when to have each task completed is helpful so that the time doesn’t creep up on you all of a sudden. There should be time to just savor the season with your family – looking at lights, going to events, watching Christmas movies, and enjoying outdoor time in the snow.  The beauty of winter can be truly appreciated when we take the time to slow down and take it all in.