“Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is relax.” — Mark Black

 

The holiday season can be such a wonderful time…listening to holiday music, tasting terrific food, watching Christmas movies, giving and receiving gifts, celebrating with people we love.

But it can also be very stressful…finding gifts for everyone on your list, last-minute shopping and preparations, gift wrapping and decorating, travel plans in winter weather…too much to do in too little time.

I remember how cranky my mom used to get at Christmas, and now (after a few years of becoming cranky myself 😊) I understand why…it’s simply overwhelming being the one who “makes Christmas happen” for everyone.

So what is the best way to create balance over the holidays…to make things merry & bright while keeping your center (and sanity)?

Tips to simplify your holiday celebrations

As someone who used to overdo it at Christmas, I’ve found that I enjoy the holidays far more now that I’ve given myself permission to simplify.

Here are 10 practical tips I hope will help you reduce your stress-load so you can enjoy the festivities too:

1. 1. Set realistic expectations

Accept that not everything has to be perfect. Focus on what truly matters to you and your loved ones. (Your family won’t remember if the tree looked like a Home & Garden replica; they will remember your smile.)

1. 2. Create a budget

Plan your spending ahead of time to avoid financial stress. Stick to your budget for gifts, donations, and meals. (And eggnog. 😊)

1. 3. Simplify gift giving

Consider experiences instead of physical gifts, or opt for a secret Santa approach to reduce the number of gifts you need to buy. (My extended family and social group do gift exchanges, so we don’t have to buy for everyone.)

1. 4. Prioritize tasks

Make a list of what needs to be done and prioritize tasks. Focus on the most important activities and let go of less crucial ones. (This year, I reduced the number of events I host from 5 to 3.)

1. 5. Share responsibilities

Share the workload with family and friends. Delegate tasks like cooking, cleaning, decorating, or wrapping gifts to lighten your load. (My kids help with decorating, meal preparation and clean-up.)

1. 6. Limit social commitments

Be selective about the events you attend. Politely decline invitations that feel overwhelming or less enjoyable.

1. 7. Set boundaries

Protect your time and energy by setting boundaries. Communicate your needs to family and friends to avoid feeling overwhelmed. (For example, it’s ok to stop by for a few hours vs. committing an entire day.)

1. 8. Embrace simplicity

Decorate with a few meaningful items rather than overloading your space. A few well-chosen decorations can create a festive atmosphere without the clutter. (We only put out half our decorations this year, and I like it much better!)

1. 9. Stay active

Incorporate physical activity into your routine. Exercise can help alleviate stress and boost your mood.

1. 10. Schedule downtime

Carve out time for yourself to rest and relax. Whether it’s reading by the fire, napping, meditating, or taking a walk, prioritize your own self-care to recharge your battery. (I’ve learned that I need a PJ day after hosting family gatherings.)

Staying centered

“Relax. Nothing is under control.” — Buddha

 

Despite your best efforts to simplify, you still may feel frazzled during the holidays. (You know, like when you burn the cookies, your kids destroy the house, and Aunt Mabel has a little too much eggnog and does the Bird Dance.)

Don’t worry…you can re-center yourself in as little as five minutes.

1. 1. Sit still

Take a few minutes to sit still (this is even more important when you’re “too busy”). Go off to a room by yourself and sit in silence to allow your nervous system a moment of peace.

1. 2. Breathe

When we are stressed, our breathing gets very shallow. Stopping to breathe more deeply can quickly reduce our heart rate and cortisol levels.

Put your hands on your heart. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Fill your belly and chest completely, and pause at the end of each inhale and exhale. Do this for at least 5 breaths.

1. 3. Connect with your senses

Notice your surroundings. Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can touch, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. This simple mindfulness exercise will help you to recenter in your body in the present moment.

1. 4. Decide what you want

What is it you most want right now? Don’t feel like being alone? Call someone up or volunteer at a soup kitchen. Overwhelmed by too many visitors? Sneak off and do the breathing exercise above or take a hot bath and listen to calming music once they’re gone to decompress.

1. 5. Focus on blessings

Things may not be perfect, but there is still undoubtedly much good in your life. Pause and appreciate the good things around you…the smell of roasting turkey, the sound of laughter, the twinkling lights. (And just look at Aunt Mabel…it’s hard not to smile when you see her enthusiasm as she dances on the table, or to admire her moves at 80.)

Enjoying the present moment

“Stress is caused by being ‘here’ but wanting to be ‘there.’” — Eckhart Tolle

 

The best gift you can offer people doesn’t come in a box…it’s your presence, attention and positive energy. Look around you. Instead of wishing for what you don’t have, enjoy the gifts and people who are in front of you right now.

If you slow down long enough to see the beauty around you, you’ll start to appreciate what is already going well. And how blessed you truly are.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy this holiday season with your loved ones…even Aunt Mabel.

xo Karen

Resources

See also:

• • Beating the holiday blues: Strategies for a happier season
  • Winter wellness: Finding joy in colder months
  • 5 steps to jump-start your year

Share your ideas

How have you simplified your holiday celebrations? Please share…