The following is a guest post about how to handle holiday stress from regular contributor, Kristin at The Gold Project.
This time of year is supposed to be the most joyous time of the year. But, sometimes it can be anything but magical. Exciting things are happening, but the added stress and pressure of getting everything perfect can really take a toll on your spirits. From decorating to baking to getting your house ready for guests. Each one can add an extra degree of pressure to your life.
I find this time of year to be exciting, but rather difficult as well. Once October hits, I tell myself that I am going to enjoy the holiday season and relax. Then, the holiday season hits and my schedule does not allow for that to happen.
I have been asked many times how I handle the hustle and bustle of the season so well. And, here is a little secret; I hide it really well. Plus, I have a set of things I like to do to keep the stress at bay. I thought I would share them with you today.
Write It Down
I am a planner girl at heart, which means I am a classic list-maker. Everything gets written on a to do list. My planner is my brain on paper and it is the only way I do not forget things, especially this time of year.
Don’t have a planner? Laura’s free printable Christmas Planner will help!
Step Away
When I get really stressed, I have found that the best solution is to step away for a little bit. The amount of time really depends on my stress level and the activity that I am working on at home. Sometimes, I can simply take a hot bath and be ready to go and other times, I need to put the issue aside for an entire day. I really think it is important to let yourself get the task off of your mind. A clear mind helps so much.
Remember the Reason for the Season
Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of things that we forget the true meaning of the holiday season. Getting the perfect gift for someone really isn’t the reason we are celebrating. So, if you find yourself super stressed, ask yourself what you are stressed about and put things into perspective. I find myself doing this pretty often.
How do you handle holiday stress?
My name is Kristin and I am a middle school career education teacher by day and a mommy/wife/blogger by night. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have two loving children. We recently made a life-changing move to Arkansas, so our new house is always under construction. I get excitement out of finding new creative, functional, and cute ways to organize things! I also enjoy writing and documenting life as it happens. So, I put these loves together and created The Gold Project. With the help of my husband, I am attempting to turn our house into a home. So, check out this special place of mine and take this journey with me!
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Need some Christmas organizing tips to help you handle holiday stress? No worries, check out this post.
Ann says
Great tips, thanks for sharing. I also try to avoid Grinches, you know, the people who don’t like the holidays and gripe and complain “it’s too much work.” Nothing worse than passing on negativity about the season—I try to remember what attitude I’m modeling for my kids. Kristin’s holiday card is beautiful—as well as the photo of it—great styling, Laura. Merry merry!
Kristin @ The Gold Project says
Thank you so so much! You are so right about the Grinches. I definitely do that too.