Pressure Free Holidays

It happens every year. No matter how much planning you do, something goes awry. The gift is delayed, the store didn’t have that one ingredient you need, the dog used the bathroom in the house or the kids somehow ruined that perfect Christmas outfit you picked out. 

What if the holidays didn’t have to be perfect? Hear me out. I know, I know, you’ve had the exact same traditions every year and who am I to suggest that every detail doesn’t have to be perfectly planned as usual. I would be a hypocrite myself if I didn’t say I do the same thing. Or did the same thing until now. If I have learned one thing over the last two years, it would be to step back and appreciate the opportunity to make new memories. Even if it means those memories are different than the ones we usually make. 

In a world that seems to have pressures from every angle. Don’t add more pressure to yourself during what is supposed to be the “Most wonderful time of the year”. I have come up with 4 ways to help you take some pressure off this week. Maybe you will even take a few of these tips into 2022!

Don’t Over Clean
I am not saying to have the world's dirtiest house that will make people question the food you cooked them. I am saying don’t worry if there's a few socks on the bedroom floor or toys out in your living room. Your home is lived in. If people are at your house to celebrate this week, they are most likely close friends and family. They appreciate that the little bit of toothpaste on the bathroom sink means you have fresh breath for them. Trust me, they get it.

Don’t Overspend
Your family does not need you to come up with the most expensive gift. Instead of buying your sister the new headphones that just came out, make her a gift or buy from a small local business. Has she been stressed lately? Make her a relaxing gift set with a candle, facemask, chapstick, a  journal and a card telling her how much she means to you. It might sound cliche, but she is going to appreciate the thoughtfulness. As we get older, we really do learn it is the thought that is put into the gift that counts.

Down Time

Make sure that you have a little time to yourself during the hectic holiday season. When I am feeling a little overwhelmed, I like to take a drive, grab my favorite drink, park my car in a parking lot and watch a show on my phone. Even if it is for 15 minutes, it gives me a second to stop moving and relax. 

Take the photo

It doesn’t matter if your hair is a mess, you don’t have make-up on and you’ve worn that shirt for more days than you want to admit. Take the photo. I can’t stress this enough. Looking back on photos will mean so much to your kids. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to look picture perfect. They don’t care how you look, trust me. Phone cameras come with a timer so that everyone can be in the photo. I care so much I added a link HERE in case you don’t know how to set a timer on your camera. 

The holidays are a time to enjoy the company of your family and friends. Adding so much stress and pressure to the mix takes the fun out. I hope these few tips are able to help you take the pressure off the next few days and live in the moment. There are so many moments we miss when we rush through it all. We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas!