In a previous post I shared that one of the greatest causes of stress for many of my clients is living up to their own expectations during the holidays. They become overwhelmed trying to make everything perfect . . . or just trying to “get it all done”!
Over the next few months I’ll be creating a number of posts to help you take the stress out of the holidays. (And if thinking about the holidays this early is stressing you out – you can 1) remember that starting early will leave less work at “crunch time” or 2) bookmark this post and read in a few weeks.)
Last week I encouraged you to envision your version of the perfect holiday. Many people left comments stating that spending time with family was the most important part of the season.
Today, I encourage you to make a list of everything you actually do during the holiday season. What were some of the tasks you completed last year? What are some things you are planning to do this year? Write them down – all of them. (Go ahead and do it now – I’ll wait!!)
Here is a partial list of possible activities . . .
- Holiday Decorating – purchasing, putting up, buying tree, taking down
- Cooking – planning menu, grocery shopping, baking, cleaning after party
- Socializing – work party, planning family get together, overnight guests, making travel plans, cleaning & preparing for guests
- Communicating – buying/making cards, addressing cards, phoning relatives, sending emails
- Gift Giving – managing the list, shopping, making gifts, wrapping, delivering, exchanging, budgeting
- Spiritual/Community – religious ceremonies, volunteering
Keep this list handy. Continue to jot down ideas throughout the day.
Once you feel your list is a fairly good representation of the tasks you complete throughout the holiday season – match it up to your vision.
Last week you created your “ideal holiday season”. How do the activities you WANT to do compare to the activities you ARE doing?
Do you have activities on the list you just created that match up perfectly with your vision?
Do you have activities on the list you just created that don’t match your vision?
The first step towards creating change is to increase our awareness. The first two posts in the “Stress Free Holiday” series are designed to assist you in creating awareness. Spend time discovering what the perfect holiday season looks like – and compare this vision to how you actually spend your holidays.
The next set of posts will examine how to become more efficient during the holidays.
Are you already living the life of your dreams? Do you consider the holiday season just another day . . . not at all overwhelming? If so – share your success stories below!
Did you discover that the correlation between your vision and your reality isn’t very strong? Share your “ah-ha” moments with us!
If you find that you are struggling to match your ideal holiday vision to your reality – I’d love to assist. I pride myself in creating and adapting solutions for all of my clients. Sign up for a No Obligation Find More Time Strategy Session. During this session you will gain clarity on your goals, uncover the hidden obstacles to your success, and leave energized to design the life of your dreams. You are guaranteed to have at least one Ah-Ha moment and actionable idea that will catapult your plan to success. What do you have to lose?
Wow these are perfect hints and suggestions. I think we all get wrapped up in the holiday season and stress ourselves out. We do strive for perfection especially when we know that we are going to have guests. The only problem with that is we are setting ourselves up for failure because nothing is perfect. Great post.
Renee –
You hit the nail on the head – nothing is perfect! Decide what is important, then strive for that!
Lisa
For many it is so true that the holidays are stressful and planning will help reduce much of it. You idea of creating your perfect holicay vision is great and matching that to the list of activities. Thanks for the idea. Best Regards, Wendy
Hi Wendy –
I appreciate the comment! Even if you don’t get overwhelmed by the holidays – it’s still a good idea to start with the perfect view and work from there!
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Given this time of the yearn can be so busy, not finding time to take it easy can really stress people out. Sometimes just taking the time to step away and focus on what is really important can be a breath of fresh air.
Thanks for the Information,
Regards,
-Jason
Jason –
Thank you for the comment! I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Lisa
Lisa, this is a great post and I love the exercise of writing down all you do during the holidays. This is such a stressful time of year, but with proper planning it doesn’t have to be!
Deanna –
I agree – with some preplanning – the holidays can be even more enjoyable than they already are!
Lisa
You’ve done it again darlin! Great stuff, confirming your status as the Queen of Time Management!
Blushing!!! :) I appreciate the compliment!
I’ve never had to host a holiday dinner and I think that’s why it’s never very stressful for me. I did have a housewarming party this past summer and I was slightly stressed leading up to it because I had never hosted a party with so many people. I realized though that I didn’t need to be perfect. The party was to celebrate out new house, not to seem perfect. I think many people want to be perfect for the holidays, mostly because of someone else’s expectations. Just be yourself and have fun. :)
Keri
Agreed – “just be yourself and have fun”. Many of my clients are bogged down by expectations and the desire to create the “perfect holiday season” for their families – that they never get to enjoy them!
Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
I have not stressed myself for the holidays…yet…I usually remind calm, till the end. Many of my loved ones has had set backs this year, so I have not yet focused as much as I usually do. At this point my vision does not match my list. But I will catch up. I usually have dinner at my house so I do really need to light a fire under myself. Keep posting!
Margaret –
Creating the awareness that your vision doesn’t match your list is the first step! I can’t wait to hear your progress as you “catch up” on planning the dinner!
Lisa
It’s an interesting question Lisa. I don’t suffer from stress in the holidays (there’s really just my sister and I so no fighting, trying to do too much etc etc), but there is an ‘implied’ pressure to do something, go somewhere (I’m thinking of Christmas here) when people ask. I’m of the school – ‘Observe the masses and do the opposite’. Practically speaking, this means going traveling and having adventures at the time of the year when others are working and not holidaying!
Caroline –
Great phrase, “observe the masses and do the opposite!” I certainly apply this principle with Black Friday shopping! So glad you are focused on what makes you happy – and then implement that!
Lisa
I am all for the planning part for cooking so it’s not that stressful and surprising. All year long actually, not just during the holiday season, we love to have a menu plan and then draw the grocery shopping from that.
Thanks for the tips, Lisa!
Delia –
Great point! I also am a big fan of planning for all the cooking. This weekend I hosted a family birthday party and started planning the menu a few weeks earlier. Makes the day run so much smoother – and less stressful!
Lisa
Love how you used short snippets, bolding, and colors to break up the text and emphasize certain parts. Easy to read and very helpful! Loved your list of possible activities as it helped jog my brain and get my list started!
Alexandra –
Thanks for the compliments! I’m thrilled you’ve started creating your list! Check out post #3 for what to do with this list! :)
Lisa
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