The holidays are coming up fast, and that means families across the country are getting ready to fill their days with shopping, cooking, and holiday parties!
But as much fun as the holiday season can be, it also usually comes with a bit of stress. There’s pressure to find the right gifts, host the perfect get-together, and pack in all the must-do holiday activities with the kids.
Luckily, some preparation can take most of that stress away, so that you’re free to enjoy Christmas to the fullest.
Get your holidays organized now with these 9 tips for a stress-free Christmas season!
Clean Up in Advance
Schedule a couple hours this weekend to deep clean the house. Get organized, and donate what you don’t need. Then, try some of these easy winter decor ideas to add some holiday cheer to your home!
Tidying up now will make decorating easier, and save you time when guests arrive.
And don’t forget to clean the garage as well! With winter coming, rodents are on the hunt for places to nest, and minimizing clutter will discourage them from moving in.
If you do happen to come across signs of rodents when you’re cleaning, contact The Exterminators in Whitby to help get rid of them.
Winterize Your Home
Did you clean the gutters out yet? Are you ready for snow? Preparing your home and yard for winter can save you money on your energy bills and minimize the cost of future repairs.
Start by putting away your garden hose, turning off water to the outside taps, fixing any drafty windows or doors, and checking your HVAC system to make sure it’s functioning properly.
Plan Ahead
Now is the time to plan ahead. Take a moment to figure out who’s hosting your annual gatherings, and what can be done ahead of time to prepare for them.
If you’re planning to visit family over the holidays, book your travel arrangements now while costs are still cheap. You can also start brainstorming gift ideas and meal plans.
Having extra time to plan will help you come up with the best ideas, and give you time to organize!
Freeze Casseroles and Baking
If you have a little spare time and space in the freezer, get some cooking out of the way right now!
Casseroles, lasagnas, pies, cakes, cookies, and breads all freeze beautifully, and are handy to have ready when holiday guests drop by.
Search online for make-ahead meals or holiday treats that freeze well to find ideas, and get ready to serve delicious homemade food without the stress!
Set a Budget – And Stick To It!
Money is a major source of stress during the holidays for many. Avoid money woes by going over your finances carefully right now, and setting a reasonable holiday budget.
Then, spread out your spending. Going on a big shopping spree might lead to impulse purchases that you’ll regret later. Try writing a list of gift ideas and shopping for those items specifically instead.
Order Gifts Early
Ordering online can be a lifesaver, but only when your packages arrive on time. Get online orders out of the way now, and take advantage of the sales at the same time.
Buying Christmas gifts online in advance will help ensure you can grab the must-have items while they’re still in stock.
And when December arrives, you’ll have more time to enjoy holiday fun, since you’ll be spending less time shopping!
Share the Work
One of the best tips for a stress-free Christmas is to remember that you don’t have to do everything yourself!
Start by sharing your to-do list with your family and letting them help out with jobs like decorating the house or holiday baking.
And when you’re hosting guests, consider asking them to bring a dessert or special drink with them. It might surprise you how much people like to get involved!
Remember Your Health
You may be busy planning the perfect Christmas for friends and family, but don’t forget to take care of yourself, too!
Regular exercise is a great way to help manage stress while balancing those delicious holiday treats. You should also prioritize a good night’s sleep and healthy meals.
Sneak Some “Me” Time
Between holiday parties, kids’ Christmas concerts, and family get-togethers, it’s easy to get carried away rushing from place to place during the holiday season.
Schedule a break for yourself by planning some time to do something you enjoy, whether that’s going for a winter walk or enjoying a hot bubble bath.
Taking the time to decompress can drastically reduce stress, and help you better appreciate the holiday season and everything it has to offer.
By using these tips for a stress-free Christmas, you’ll have more time to relax and spend time with your loved ones. And in the end, that really is the best part of the holiday season!