Today is November 1, which means it’s officially Thanksgiving, Christmas, and somehow also Valentine’s Day all at the same time. At least, that’s what big box stores want you to think! It seems as time goes on, holidays become more and more rushed. There is less time to savor sweet moments and traditions, less time for planning, and of course, less time to enjoy individual holidays. Even if society thinks it’s ThanksChristmasTine’s Day, it’s okay to take holidays with stride. Here’s how to stress less during the holiday rush.
Don’t Over Schedule
One of the most practical tips we can share is to stop over scheduling yourself for holiday plans. You don’t have to partake in every single holiday invite that is thrown at you. Instead, figure out what you enjoy, versus what you think is expected of you. Do your best to schedule yourself for activities that are fun for you, and avoid activities that are less enjoyable or cause unnecessary stress. Your happiness is an important consideration of how you spend your time.
Simplify Travel Time
Travel is one of the most stressful parts of holiday planning, and can make or break your holiday spirit. If you do decide to travel, try to do what you can to make it easy on yourself. Try to find direct flights to minimize your time in the airport, and minimize the chances of you having to run to your next gate. If you plan to drive, try to strategically plan your route around usual traffic hangups.
Gift Intentionally
Giving gifts is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays and show the people around you how much they mean to you. While gift giving is a great way to spread kindness and holiday cheer, excessively giving gifts can become a financial burden. You’re not obligated to spend beyond your means, and you should never feel pressured to partake in gift giving if it goes outside of your budget. Even a small, homemade gift can show people how much you appreciate them, and bigger is not necessarily better.
Set Boundaries
While it can be fun to see family and friends during the holidays, it can also be overwhelming, and lead to burnout. Do whatever you need to take care of yourself. This could look like taking alone time on a walk around the neighborhood, putting your phone on Do Not Disturb mode, leaving gatherings early, or anything else that helps you to recharge. Remember, it’s okay to protect your peace and tell others no.
Be Present
Being present is one way you can combat the feeling of rushing the holiday season. Take time to be intentional with your family. Whether it’s seeing a holiday light show, baking Christmas cookies in the kitchen, opening presents, or even just sharing favorite Christmas stories. When we slow down and sit with others, we can make the time go by a little bit slower.
