It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but multiplying invites, conflicting schedules, and lengthy family visits can make the holidays more hectic than happy.
There’s no need to get buried in the end-of-year rush though. You can keep things merry and bright—and live to tell the tale—with these eight stress-relieving strategies.
1. Checked Twice
Make a list of all obligations, parties, and family events between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Sort the list into events you’d like to attend and those you’d rather miss. Remember it’s okay to opt out. For conflicting activities, divide and conquer. One spouse can take the kids to the neighborhood social while the other networks at the office party. Before embarking, manage expectations by deciding together how long you’ll stay at each event.
2. Healthy & Jolly
New Year’s resolutions get all the fanfare, but setting a goal to eat reasonably during the holidays could be your salvation come 1 January. You can still enjoy traditional favorites—
pumpkin pie, eggnog, and turkey—just keep the portions sensible, add some lighter options to the menu, and remember to exercise. You’ll thank yourself in 2015.
3. Trump Card
Gift cards were once the hallmark of procrastinators, but in 2012 nearly 60 percent of receivers wanted plastic in their stockings. That can lighten your load—
especially if you’re traveling for the holidays. Giftcardgranny.com keeps a tally of the most-asked-for cards, and the front-runners might surprise you: Walmart, Target, and Amazon.
4. Pin Cushion
Instead of wandering around the mall, put Pinterest’s secret boards to good use by gathering gift ideas for family and friends throughout the year. In fact, the earlier you shop, the less
you’re likely to spend, according to the American Research Group. Late-in-the-season shoppers usually drop $250 more on gifts than the
early birds.
5. Number Crunch
Last year the average American planned to spend about $700 on Christmas gifts. This January, prevent a spending hangover by setting up a weekly automatic transfer of $15 from your checking account into your savings. After twelve months you’ll have $780—enough for a very merry celebration or a generous charitable donation.
6. Love Note
Preparing and sending greeting cards to Aunt Gigi, your former coworkers, and everyone else in the address book requires precious time during the holidays. This year convert the Christmas cards into heartwarming valentines. Your affectionate message will stand out since recipients won’t have mantels crowded with other cards.
7. Pregame Prep
You wouldn’t go into a big meeting cold, so why head to the office’s annual bash without a quick review? Brush up on coworkers’ names, their families’ interests, and current events before the party. It’ll be easier to keep conversation flowing without relying on shoptalk. To really get into the spirit of things, toss on an ugly Christmas sweater.
8. Silent Night
Amid the twinkling lights, remember to ponder. “Our celebration . . . should be a reflection of the love and selflessness taught by the Savior,” said President Thomas S. Monson at the 2013 LDS Christmas Devotional. “To catch the real . . . spirit of Christmas, we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the Spirit of Christ.”
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Article written by Megan Bingham Hendrickson
