How to Make the Holidays Less Hectic

There are a lot of words to describe the holidays. Joyful, cheerful, bright, and togetherness are some words that people use. Chaotic, hectic, and stress-inducing are a few others.

This year, take some steps to make your holidays less hectic and more joyous. Use these few simple tips to take the edge off the holiday stress and spend more time enjoying the holidays – rather than trying not to tear your hair out!

8 Tips to Make the Holidays Less Hectic:

1. Keep It Simple

It’s easy to go overboard when thinking about all of the things you want to do for the holidays. Between the decorating, cooking, entertaining, volunteering, and everything else you have on your plate, your best bet is to try to keep things simple. Not only will you avoid overload, but you are also far less likely to make mistakes when you don’t overcomplicate simple tasks like decorating or cooking a familiar family recipe.

2. Set Limits

You don’t want to overload yourself (or your busy schedule) with lots of overcomplicated recipes and do-it-yourself decorating ideas. As much as you might wish for a clone now and then, you are only one person. Recognize your own limits and set some parameters before you agree to every volunteer activity or party that you are invited to.

3. Create a Plan

Sitting down and giving some clear thought to what you want to accomplish and how you are going to pull everything off is the best way to get started. Creating a plan with a clear head will help you remember things you might have otherwise forgotten, eliminate unnecessary tasks, and create a timeline for when things need to be done.

4. Make Lists

While you are creating your plan, go ahead and make lists of everything that needs to be done as well as details associated with each task. Prioritize that list so you can focus on the most important list items first. Making lists will help you avoid last-minute scrambles and forgetting important things.

5. Delegate

To reiterate, you are only one person. There is little or no reason for you to expect to do everything by yourself. Delegate tasks to your family members – even if they are small details, it will take something off your own plate and free you up for more important tasks.

6. Don’t Procrastinate

Leaving tasks until the last minute only serves to feed the chaos. Do as much as you can early so you can focus on the tasks that have to be done last.

7. Change It Up

You might be surprised to learn that changing up your usual routine can take pressure off of your shoulders. Not only that, but it could be fun. For example, instead of cooking the entire holiday meal yourself, pull your family together for a potluck. You can use the potluck idea for a great holiday dinner party as well. Even just putting other people in charge of bringing the dessert can help alleviate some of the pressure of holiday entertaining.

8. Spread the Joy

Not only does delegating tasks help you out a whole lot, but it makes the people around you feel included. Spread the joy by allowing yourself to relax and enjoy the holidays. The holidays are about togetherness, so do some of the tasks, such as cooking and decorating, together. It will be more fun for you and your family will enjoy being involved.