5 Tips to Take the Stress out of Christmas

Holiday stress got you feeling more Scrooge than Santa? You’re not alone. The holidays are a hectic time for many of us. But there are ways to make the season a little brighter and a little less stressful, so we can focus on the true reason for the season – Jesus. Here are five simple tips to simplify your Christmas season and take some of the stress out of it. 

1. Make a List and Check It Twice (or Thrice) 

One of the best things you can do is make a list…and check it twice (or thrice). Seriously, getting all your holiday tasks down on paper (or in your phone) can help you feel more organized and in control. Not sure where to start? Make a list of everything you need to do between now and the end of the year, including shopping, wrapping, baking, card-writing, travel plans, party preparations, and anything else that’s on your plate.

Once you have your complete list, start tackling each item one by one. Checking things off as you go will help you stay focused and motivated, and it’ll also give you a much-needed sense of accomplishment. And when it comes to holiday stress, every little bit helps! your lists, check them twice (or even thrice!) to make sure everything is accounted for. 

2. Start Early 

If the holidays tend to be a stressful time for you, then you’re not alone. In fact, a recent survey found that nearly 60% of Americans experience increased stress during the holiday season. One of the best ways to reduce holiday stress is to start your preparations early. That way, you can avoid the last-minute rush and enjoy the festive season at a more leisurely pace. Of course, starting early doesn’t mean you have to start decorating your home in October. But it does mean taking care of some of the essential tasks when you can.

There are only so many hours in a day and even fewer during the holidays when things really start ramping up—so get a head start on all those tasks now! Start shopping early so you don’t have to worry about running out of time or being stuck with limited options come Christmas Eve. And if you plan on hosting any gatherings, begin planning right away so you don’t find yourself scrambling at the last minute trying to pull everything together. 

3. Set Realistic Expectations 

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and, unfortunately, stress. There’s the pressure to find the perfect gifts, make everything from scratch, and host the most idyllic holiday gathering ever. It’s enough to make even the most cheerful person want to pull their hair out. But before you do, take a deep breath and remind yourself that the holidays don’t have to be perfect. In fact, they’re often more enjoyable when they’re not.

Listen – I know It’s easy to get caught up in wanting your holiday season to look just like those perfectly staged photos on Instagram, but chances are those ideal photos aren’t reflective of reality—so set realistic expectations for yourself and your family this holiday season. You don’t have to do it all; focus on what matters most and let go of anything that doesn’t bring joy! 

4. Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff 

The holidays are a time for joy, laughter, and love. But they can also be a time of stress and anxiety. Remember not to sweat the small stuff this holiday season! If something isn’t going exactly as planned or if something goes awry at the last minute, take a deep breath and move on. The holidays are supposed to be fun, so don’t let the little things ruin your mood. After all, your family won’t care if there’s one less side dish or if Grandma’s present arrives late; they’ll still be just as happy and grateful for each other’s company regardless!

Make sure to schedule some “me” time into your holiday plans. Whether it’s taking a long bath or going for a walk in the park, make sure to carve out some time to relax and de-stress. Finally, remember that it’s okay to say no. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with holiday parties or family gatherings, it’s perfectly acceptable to politely decline an invitation.

5. Rely On Others For Help 

By far the hardest tip for me to personally adhere to is asking and relying on others for help.  If you’re like me, you want to do it all yourself because you know everyone has a full plate right now.  But, the thing is, no one can do it all alone—it takes a village! So don’t be afraid to ask others for help when you need it most this holiday season; friends, family members, neighbors…they’re all great resources who would likely love nothing more than being able to lend a helping hand during this busy time of year!

Whether it’s pitching in with the cooking or offering to drive Auntie Marge to the airport, a little assistance can go a long way. So if you’re feeling stressed this holiday season, remember that it’s okay to ask for help. After all, that’s what loved ones are for.

Conclusion: This holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful—by following these five tips, you can simplify things and focus on what really matters most: spending quality time with loved ones while celebrating God’s goodness in our lives! Subscribe to our virtual community to get more encouraging tips throughout the new year! 

Merry Christmas!