Christmas is my favorite time of year. And despite the craziness that comes with being an adult and wanting to make Christmas special and magical for my family, I still get that warm and cozy feeling when Christmas comes around.
Since I love to plan ahead, I’ve created a type of system that helps organize my thoughts, ideas, to-do’s, and holiday expenses all in one place.
My planning routine for the holidays helps me stay calm and enjoy the process instead of feeling overwhelmed and becoming a grinch over how much I have to get done and the little amount of time I have.
If you took notes the previous year, you can also reference those to help with your Master Idea List. In the Christmas Planner, there’s “Christmas Notes for Next Year”. Once you fill out this page, you can refer to it when you start planning next year. Some of the things that could go on a “Christmas Master Ideas List” are:
- Make two DIY gifts
- Do a fun family craft while watching a Christmas movie
- Spread decorating over two weeks
- Hire someone to decorate
- Gift ideas you’ve collected through out the year
- Family trip idea
- A certain store you want to visit
You don’t need all the big stuff to ensure that Christmas is perfect. It’s often the simple things that add just as much if not more pleasure to this time of year. If you don’t have the time or you’re feeling the pinch with the ever-increasing cost of everything at the moment, then think about how you can still have lots of Christmas fun without the extra pressure. A meal out with friends is lovely but if you change that to meeting in someone’s home and you all bring a course each so no-one is having to do all the cooking and you’re sharing the cost it not only makes for a lovely get-together but it can be far more relaxing and just as much fun.
Holiday meals can result in holiday overwhelm unless you are willing to focus on a few dishes instead of all of them. If preparing and serving a meal removes you from enjoying the holidays, do it differently. Let everyone bring something to the table. Be unconventional with your choices and remember that the time around the table is more valuable than the time in the kitchen. Ask for help, do less and say no.
I heard so many more people ordering out, dining out or dramatically simplifying their holiday dinners. They wanted to relax and enjoy instead. You don’t have to cram it all in. Even if you want to enjoy all of your holiday favorites, consider that you can enjoy them early next year too.
I enjoy sending thank you cards, and other thinking of you cards during the year, but holiday cards are just a little too much for me. It always turns into a bigger production than I imagine, and then they get lost in a sea of holiday cards. So for me it’s a no. Look at your holiday traditions and the things you think you are supposed to do. If sending holiday cards is something that adds to your holiday experience, send them. If you are sending them out of obligation and they contribute to holiday overwhelm, let it go. Apply to all the traditions you do with a little bit of resentment or annoyance.
I've found the way of having a happiest Christmas is doing what's right for me. Making careful choices who I spend my time with and keeping in mind that it’s just one day. The interactions I have with people throughout the year are just as important.
