Have a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Dear Working Mom,

Shopping. Cooking. Entertaining. Family.  The holidays can be stressful, but they don’t have to be.  You can beat the holiday stress and have a relaxed holiday season by following these five simple steps:

1- Do something for someone in need.  One of the best ways to avoid holiday stress is to remember why you’re grateful. No matter what challenges you are facing, someone would love to trade their problems for yours.  Each year, I make holiday gift bags for the homeless. It’s one of my favorite things to do because I know people really need it.  Find a cause you believe in or someone who really needs help.  Pay it forward!  If you go out to eat, look for a waiter or waitress to surprise with an extra-large tip.  Go to Wal-Mart and pay the balance on a layaway account of someone you don’t know.  Offer to babysit one afternoon for a mom in your inner circle.  See a single mom in a restaurant or grocery store and pay her bill.  Don’t underestimate the joy you can give and receive from helping others.

2 – Go giftless.  When we were dating, my husband and I stopped exchanging gifts on Christmas.  It was one of the best decisions we’ve made.  Buying gifts during the Christmas season can become stressful. For Tristan, I usually stick with one big gift and a couple of smaller items.  Since we’ve had kids, we rarely even buy gifts for our extended family.  With two families, it can become quite expensive and overwhelming.  In the absence of gifts, you can choose to focus on relationships and enjoying one another.  As an added benefit, you can avoid overspending!

CLICK FOR THIS PRINTABLE AND MORE!

3 – Let them eat catered.  Working mom, don’t stress over cooking!  If you don’t like to cook or don’t have the time, order out.  Just make sure you place your order early.  You can even let the family have input on the menu and caterer.  It might be different for your family, but they will probably appreciate you being more relaxed.  I remember my grandmother being in the kitchen all day and night during the holidays.  While the food was always delicious, I don’t remember her having time to enjoy it.  She was usually exhausted from cooking for days! With someone else doing the cooking, you can enjoy your family without feeling overwhelmed.

4 – Prep everything beforehand.  I like to cook, so this works well for me.  If you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen the night before and all day on the holiday, preparation is key.  You can buy pre-cut veggies to save time.  Or, cut up them up two days before and seal tight in the fridge.  Clean and season any meats one to two days before and allow them to marinate in the refrigerator. Make your fillings for pies or casseroles and have them ready to pour into the pan.  Once it is all prepped, you can cook it the night before or the morning of without being stressed.

5 – Keep it simple. Don’t over complicate the holidays by trying to do too much.  You could whip out your fine China, but won’t that make more work for you?  Don’t feel the need to impress anyone.  If you’re having guests, have them bring a covered dish.  Ditch the traditional meal and do something fun and simple, like grilling.  Make your life easy and use paper products.  Avoid having to clean your house afterwards by eating outside (I live in South Florida).  Don’t stress out trying to create a perfect experience or image for someone else.  Stay in balance by keeping it simple.

Working mom, you may actually have time off from work – so,take advantage!  Be thankful for the opportunity to share with friends and family.  You can have a stress-free holiday season and continue to live your best life in balance by keeping things simple.