Let’s face it: the holidays can be stressful. Yes, it’s about joy and giving, and seeing family is always nice. There’s a lot to accomplish in a short time, however; holidays can be expensive and time-consuming, and there’s a lot changing, all while you’re still going about your daily life. Trying to prep for holiday guests, meals, and shopping can all be overwhelming. Having a plan and staying organized can take out some of the stress, however; the more you’re intentional about what you can control, the more you’ll be prepared and ready to handle whatever comes your way.
Make a Timeline
One of the best things you can do to prepare for the holidays is to make a timeline. If you haven’t already decided what you’re doing for the holidays, start talking to friends and family now and decide what you want to do. Will you be visiting someone, or will you be hosting? Will someone be coming from out of town? Who will be there? Once you have all the details laid out, create a calendar, including everything that needs to be accomplished and any important dates such as flights, arrivals, and outings. Having everything written down and laid out will give you a visual of what you want to do and ensure that you won’t be remembering anything last minute. This also gives you time to space out activities and chores so you aren’t overwhelmed. You can get as specific as you need: pick a day to buy groceries, to start prepping food, to decorate, and so on. Make sure you schedule rest days as well!
Plan Your Menu
The more you’re able to plan ahead of time, the better, and this includes the menu. Organizing a menu can be tough when you take into account different palates, dietary restrictions, and rising prices in food. You might have dishes you make every year, or you might decide to try something new. Whatever you’re looking for, plan it out now, and think about the ingredients you’ll need and any utensils you might be missing. If there are ingredients you can get now, do so. Make a list of everything you want, and try to stick to it - the more you get off track, the more you spend and have to store! Now’s a great time to get non-perishables and solicit opinions on what everyone wants at the table. You can also get an idea of any foods others are bringing. As it gets closer to the holidays and you’re ready to purchase more perishable items, you might try and get to the store when it’s less busy; if you can, shoot for early morning or later in the evening, especially if you’re going on a weekend.
For Stressless Holidays, Get Everyone on the Same Page
Possibly the most important thing you can do to avoid holiday planning stress is to ensure everyone is on the same page. This includes relatives coming into town, anyone you’re going out with or staying with, and anyone in your household (including and especially any children). Being out of the loop is a huge stressor, so it’s important that everyone is on the same page regarding outings, guests, and the timeline of everything. If you’re hosting, keep everyone in the family apprised of when to expect guests and what needs to be done to prepare the household. You’ll also want to make sure everyone in the family is included in discussions about travel plans or outings. Keeping everyone informed also means you can solicit help in preparing for the holidays and bond with your family over the preparation. Just because it’s chaotic doesn’t mean it can’t be fun!
It’s too early to start planning. Take the time now to start discussing plans with your family, and take small steps towards creating the holiday you’re dreaming of. Stay organized so you can stress less and actually enjoy the holiday spirit.