How to Deal with December Without Going Crazy
If you‘re like me you may be a little overwhelmed when mid-November rolls around and you haven’t started thinking about Christmas yet. The fun countdowns don’t seem so fun anymore. They seem like they are judging you on the progress you have made so far on the to do list that is a mile long. Did you make the party menu, shop for your niece and nephew, wrap the gifts for your mother-in-law’s party this weekend? These tips are designed to get you through the holidays judgement and stress-free. Let’s do this.
Get organized and decorate early so you’re not overwhelmed
There are so many things moms have to take care of during the holiday season. I like to start early enough to give myself breathing room. Think about your Christmas cards early. If you know you are going to need to set up a family photo shoot in early October, then make sure you have set this up in the summer. Then get your outfit ideas out of the way so it doesn’t sneak up on you. Check out my Pinterest board for great ideas for photo shoot clothing ideas. Also, here is an amazing post by a local photographer who did a family photo shoot for my entire family on my grandmother’s 80th birthday. She gives some great tips on planning for Christmas cards. I also like to give the house a little spring cleaning in the fall. When I take down my regular decorations to put up my Christmas decor, I do not want to put it in a filthy mess. I want clutter free areas that are dust free. Go through your house and look for areas that can use a little attention before pulling out more stuff.
Schedule Traditions early on the calendar
Write down all events that you have to attend. These are your non-negotiables. If you know every year you do 3 family parties, a special dinner, and Christmas Eve service at church then make sure those get on the calendar in October. Then as plans come up you may have to say no to some events that just don’t work out or may interfere with the “must do” on your calendar.
Stay on your eating and workout program
Everyone wants to look their best in family photos around the holidays. But even more importantly, I want to feel my best and have energy to do all the things I need to do around the busiest time of the year. I want to be healthy, and be at my best for my family. The best way to do that is try to go to bed and wake up at the same time you normally do. Sleep habits are so important. I also have noticed when I go on vacation and change my eating habits that I feel horrible. You are going to indulge a little, but don’t eat from Halloween to New Year’s as if you’re on vacation. Your body will thank you in January.
Shop early and wrap as you go
I try every year to get my shopping done by the end of November so I can really enjoy December. I don’t think I’ve every officially made it. But I try really hard. Shopping and wrapping takes a lot of physical and mental energy. I love getting people thoughtful and meaningful gifts. I think it is great to ask the person directly what they want. If they give me a list I can get them something they really want. One year I asked my mom to paint my office for Christmas. It may not have been conventional, but she’s an amazing painter and she was thrilled to do something for me that I really wanted. If you can’t get out to the stores you can still do your shopping from home by shopping online.
Know Your Theme Early
You may think I’m crazy, but I already know the theme for Christmas 2018 and have some ideas for how I will decorate. The reason I do this is for the amazing after Christmas sales and because I shop year- round for good deals. Here are some items I have bought during the year that become available for better prices at other times. Keep your eyes open for wrapping paper, lanterns, candles, crystal, dinnerware, placemats, and ribbon. Plus you may have a certain budget at Christmas since you’re also purchasing Christmas gifts for your family or entertaining. Spreading it out during the year makes it a little more cost effective.
I hope this was helpful. I want you to enjoy the holidays with friends and family and make December 2017 your best holiday season yet.
Yours Truly,
Jenn
