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Christmas and stress seems to synonymous in many homes. I know they are in mine.
So this season, I’m working hard to keep stress at a minimum by enlisting some new habits. If you feel that you are a little stressed this holiday season, maybe these tips will be helpful to you.
SHOP ONLINE – I really don’t like shopping but it seems I find myself at the mall or other shops in December trying to find the best gifts. Though I have done online shopping for some most years, this year I’m doing it all online. And this is why….first, it’s far less stressful to set aside some online shopping time, close myself in a room and shop quietly while listening to my music then battling the people and the loud noise of the mall. And secondly, I do far less impulse buying and keep to my budget better if I write down a list of who to purchase for and browse online, make the purchases and close the browser. Then the stress of spending too much money is also decreased. Here’s my Amazon link if you are interested in checking out some of the great holiday gifts from Amazon, which is where I plan to do the majority of my online shopping this year. And don’t forget about giving a Kindle Fire as a gift, they are a great gift and Amazon has some great deals on them right now!
WRAPPING ALONG THE WAY – One of the biggest time suckers I have during Christmas is wrapping the gifts. I’m usually up FOREVER the week of Christmas wrapping presents. So this year, I’m wrapping as I go. I have purchased my wrapping paper. Got all my supplies and I have a designated spot for them. And as I get gifts (as they arrive in the mail :)) I will wrap them and put them in their spot (not under the tree unfortunately because I have a 2 year old!) I’m hoping this will reduce the late night wrapping stress I have every year. And, yes, I purchased my wrapping paper online too! This is what I purchased – Bright RED & WHITE SNOWFLAKE FLURRY Christmas Gift Wrap Wrapping Paper.
GET IT DONE EARLY – Yes, I say it every year but this year I’m making the extra effort to get it done ahead of time so I’m not rushing round at the last minute (even if it is rushing around online). Plus, if I don’t put it off I don’t have to skip my first two stress reducers, buying online and wrapping as I go, because I’ll have plenty of time. So, I’ve put a deadline on my calendar and I plan to have it all done by then. I’m using online Amazon daily deals and special products to get it done. Be sure to check out my post on great ideas for Kids gifts. I plan to put together some gift lists for adults and teens too.
DO A MEAL PLAN – As you know I have been doing quite a bit of meal planning this year. In fact, that is the #1 thing that has helped us financially and with time management in our house this year. Meal planning has been great. So, I plan to take the stress out of the holidays by meal planning our Christmas meals (which we are hosting twice) and our pitchin’s ahead of time as well as ensuring we have everything we need ahead of time with a grocery list. This is the best way to keep your holiday shopping under control and your meals planned and ready. I’m looking forward to low stress by having the meal plans completed weeks ahead of time. And if you are doing some lunchbox packing, try these great lunch boxes.
I’m sure there are many other way to keep stress levels low at Christmas time. But these are 4 things I intend to do to keep my stress levels down.
What are some of the ways you keep your stress levels under control during the Christmas season?
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