How to Avoid Holiday Stress in 8 Easy Ways

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We are in the middle of the holiday season. There are so many things to think about, like: gifts, food, decorations, work, travel, parties, more food, more decorations … No wonder why we easily get overwhelmed and experience holiday stress.

In this article you will find 8 easy ways to reduce your stress and enjoy the holiday season.

1. Be Organized

It’s important to be organized for the holiday, or you will waste a lot of time and get irritable. We don’t want that right? The holiday season is supposed to be fun!

My secret weapon to stay organized during this busy season is simple.

LISTS!

I do lists for everything, gift ideas for everybody and every party, food ideas, parties we are invited to, even blog articles for the season!

Writing things down helps me to better visualize what and when I need things done.

2. Create a Pinterest Board

Why should you create a Pinterest board?

First of all, Pinterest is fun! You can find a lot of ideas for food, presents, decorations, etc. It helps you to be organized and also inspire you to try new things!

Plus there are plenty of beautiful pictures that can add to your board to visualize how you want to decorate your house.

I just love Pinterest!

Start your stress free holiday board with this pin:

3. Do a Potluck

Hosting a party can be stressful. You have to think of everything, the guest list and the decorations for your home to make it festive. You also need to figure out how to seat everybody and what you will cook. And obviously, it requires making holiday dishes, which can take hours to cook.
So this year, let’s make it simpler!

If you are hosting a party, ask your guest to bring a dish and if you are invited ask the host what you can bring.

You can also order a party platter online. Sun Basket offers a holiday platter* for 8-10 people. It includes cheese, charcuterie, sauces, spreads, accompaniments, crackers and toasts!

Order Sun Basket’s Ultimate Party Platter here!*

The holiday season is about sharing! And sharing is good for your stress.

4. Shop Online

Now, I do most of my holiday shopping online. I try to avoid the lines at the stores as much as possible! Plus you can find better deals, use coupons easily and you receive them right on your door only a few days after.

If you need ideas for online gift shopping, check out my article with 60 fun and peaceful gift ideas.

To avoid your packages being stolen (yes this happened to me a couple of years ago) you can make sure they are delivered when you are home, you can have them delivered at work, or to a specific place like Amazon Locks.

5. Go to the grocery store 3 days earlier

Okay, let’s be real. We have all waited the last moment to go grocery shopping on Thanksgiving, Christmas eve, New Years Eve, 4th of July.

And every time we say. NEVER AGAIN!

The shelves are almost empty, the lines are extremely long and we think about the fact that we should be home cooking instead of wasting our time.

So this year, you and I, are going to make a deal. Okay?

We will go to the grocery store at least 3 days before Christmas and New Year’s Eve!

6. Take time for you

The winter holidays are about giving but sometimes it’s good to take a break and think about you!

Go to the spa, get your nails done, eat a cupcake, buy a new dress for the holidays, take the time to do your hair and your makeup before your guests arrive.

Do anything you want, but do something for you.

7. Learn How to say no

This one has been hard in the past. The truth is that we cannot please everybody and we need to think about ourselves sometimes.

So if you have too many commitments, say no to some of them.

You don’t need to attend all of your friends parties.

You don’t need to host several parties.

You don’t need to cook a 5 course dinner.

Only say yes to what you have time and resources to do!

8. Make a bucket list

The holiday season is supposed to be fun! So have fun. Don’t just run from the kitchen to the store. Take a break with your family, friends or just you.

Make a list of fun things to do, like snow tubing, watch the Fantastic Beasts, chop your own christmas tree, get hot cocoa and read a book by the fireplace.

It can be anything you want to do alone or with someone else.

Over To you

1. Make a list of what you have to do
2. Make a list and budget of gifts for your friends and family
3. Make a list of fun things to do

What do you do to have stress free holidays? Share your tips in the comments!

* This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you subscribe or purchase something through the links provided. Read our Amazon Affiliate Disclosure here.