How to reduce the stress of the holidays

Dec 21, 2011 9:30 AM by Kori Ellis

Posted in Parenting / Super Moms Guide / Super Moms Guide: Time Management

Eliminate Last-Minute Holiday Stress

With less than a week to go before Christmas, your stress levels are out of control. Oftentimes what should be a festive time of year turns into a nightmare for busy moms. With a little planning and know-how, you can tackle your holiday to-do list and get on to enjoy yourself.

Christmas stress

Be willing to delegate

If you are overwhelmed by the thought of staying up all night on Christmas Eve wrapping gifts for the kids, hire some elves. Surely teens in the neighborhood will want to earn a few bucks helping you out. Be willing to delegate errands and chores to others as well. Everyone needs a little help during the holidays.

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Don't sweat the small stuff

Often we worry so much about the meaningless details that we forget the big picture. Don't sweat the small stuff. Whether you forget to buy a gift for your cousin's new girlfriend or neglect to put out the cranberry sauce for Christmas dinner, it's nothing to stress out about. The holiday season should be about enjoying the company of your family and friends, not worrying about every last detail.

Shop smart

If you have some last minute holiday shopping to do, don't stress out. Keep your gift list with you at all times (whether on your smartphone or a small notebook in your purse). Don't overextend your budget -- that will frazzle you even more. Comparison shop online to find the best deals. If there's no time left for shipping, take advantage of late night store hours to get your shopping done. You don't have to purchase something for every single person on your gift list. Combine individual gifts for married couples and families into one group gift instead. You can also create handmade gifts at home rather than buying something. Homemade Christmas ornaments or fresh baked goodies are always appreciated.

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Simplify entertaining

If you have tons of relatives in town for the holidays, don't feel obligated to go all out with cooking and baking every day. It's easy to treat your family (and yourself) to a holiday meal out without spending a bundle. Try websites like RedPlum.com, Restaurant.com and Groupon.com to find restaurant coupons and gift certificates at discount prices. Sometimes you can get $100 restaurant gift certificates for just ten or twenty bucks.

Take some "me" time

It's not selfish -- it's smart to take some "me" time in the holiday season. You don't want to end up so stressed out that you starting chucking gifts across the room and tearing down decorations. Schedule a pedicure or a massage at the salon for a day or two before Christmas. Also, every night before you go to sleep, do a little something just for yourself. Whether that's a long bubble bath or 10 minutes of yoga, be sure to fit it into your schedule.