Are you interested in creating a stress free holiday season? If you’ve been with me the past 9 weeks – you are well on your way to enjoying a less stressful December. But, what if today is the first holiday post you’ve read? Good news – there is still hope for you!
Here’s a recap of the previous 9 posts. I encourage you to pick and chose what you want to implement for THIS year. Maybe you spend some time on step #1. Great – this puts you one step closer to creating an ideal holiday. Maybe you decide that step #7 is the stage you want to devote your time. Great – you have now practiced some much needed self-care.
Regardless of where you focus your time between now and Christmas, and how much you accomplish – keep your notes and stop back after Christmas for Step #10 – Evaluation. Remember slow progress is still progress. Creating a holiday season that is “a little less stressful than normal” is better than a hectic, crazy, rip your hair out holiday!
Stress Free Holiday Step #1 – Vision – What would you perfect holiday look like? What activities would you do? Who would you spend it with?
Stress Free Holiday Step #2 – Reality – Now, make a list of every task, action, project, activity you plan on participating in this holiday season.
Stress Free Holiday Step #3 – Decide – Make a decision . . . are you really going to do everything you listed in step #2? Decide which activities you really want to focus on – and stick to your decision.
Stress Free Holiday Step #4 – Break It Down – Break each activity down into the absolute smallest task. Decide on start dates for each task. (Remember, next year will be easier – you will be able to start earlier!)
Stress Free Holiday Step #5 – Delegate – You do NOT have to do everything yourself! Delegate some of these tasks!
Stress Free Holiday Step #6 – Calendar – Put your start and end dates on the calendar. Now would be an excellent time to start creating your 2014 holiday calendar. If you are feeling rushed, make a note of when you would have preferred to have started for next year.
Stress Free Holiday Step #7 – Self Care – Schedule some time for you to recharge your batteries.
Stress Free Holiday Step #8 – Gifts – Create a gift list, a budget, and decide when you are going to wrap!
Stress Free Holiday Step #9 – Notebook – Keep everything together in one holiday notebook.
Each post gives practical and easy to implement ideas. Set your timer for 15 minutes and scan through each post.
Once you finish – post a comment on which step(s) you are going to implement. I really want to know!
Do you have other ideas – please share!!
You know what they say – sharing is caring! So share below – then click share using the social media tabs on the left!
(Image credit Stockimages)
I enjoyed reading your tips Lisa, I don’t see why Christmas should be so stressful!
Agreed! With proper planning – and a realistic view of how many activities to try to accomplish over a small period of time – it should be FUN!
Thanks for sharing Lisa. I need to learn to delegate more :-)
Most welcome, Carol! What tasks are you considering delegating?
Lisa
Somehow stress and holiday should not go together, but the more we look around the more we see stressed out faces trying to meet the demands of the holidays. I agree with you, no need to allow that in our daily lives, if we get focused and organize what is important and meaningful to us. Thanks for sharing such practical ideas to accomplish it.
Delmy –
Thanks for joining me in my appreciation of an organized and focused holiday season! I agree – if we can just slow down long enough to figure out what is important – and then focus on that – so much less stress!
I appreciate your comment!
Lisa
Great tips Lisa! For some reason the Holiday Season it could be stressing for some people, however, these tips are great to anyone…
Remy –
Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate your comment!
Lisa
I need more me time! Your Stress Free Holiday Step #7 – Self Care is exactly what I need to focus on once a few critical tasks are completed. Thanks, Lisa!
Thanks Delia, for the comment!
My advice – focus on YOU, then worry about the few critical tasks. You are a “get things done” type of gal – so I know the critical tasks will be completed no matter what. But will your “me” time still fit into your schedule?
Lisa