5 Ways to Make the Holidays Feel Easier on You
Photo by Sandra Seitamaa on Unsplash
The holidays are often marketed as a magical and wonderful time filled with family, friends, and good food, and while this is the reality for many, that isn’t always the case for everyone. For many, the holidays can be incredibly stressful. Whether you are estranged from your family, impacted by financial hardship, grieving a loss, or a number of other things, the holidays can bring up a lot of tough feelings. And those feelings can feel extra difficult during a season that people claim is the most wonderful time of the year.
Also read: 5 Tips for Simplifying Your Life
Today, I wanted to share some tips with you for making the holidays feel a little easier. Whether you are struggling or are feeling overwhelmed, I hope these tips can help you enjoy your time as much as possible.
5 Ways to Make the Holidays Feel Easier on You
1. Set reasonable budgets and limits
There can be large expectations around gift-giving, including the amount spent on gifts, the type of gifts to give, and the number of gifts given. One of the best ways to make the holidays easier for you is to set reasonable budgets and limits when it comes to gifts. This could look like setting a dollar amount per person, making homemade gifts, gifting experiences instead of items, or even doing Secret Santa for large groups.
2. Simplify dinners
As someone with a busy schedule and limited free time during the holidays, the thought of preparing a large turkey feast with endless sides and desserts is less than appealing. I’m under the belief that the holidays should be customized to you and your family’s needs, as opposed to following what others are doing. My family and I are choosing to do appetizers instead of a formal, sit-down dinner this year because it’s something we all enjoy more. If you are doing a traditional holiday dinner, consider simplifying it in certain areas, whether that’s fewer side dishes, a simple main course, or ordering in instead. Make the dinner work for you, as opposed to stretching yourself thin for something you don’t enjoy.
3. Reimagine when you celebrate the holidays
The holidays are an incredibly busy time for everyone, and sometimes it can be difficult to get together on one particular day. My kids are grown, and what we’ve found works the best for our busy schedules is to pick a day that works well for all of us, regardless if it’s actually Christmas day or not. Make the holidays work for you and your family, as opposed to what is regular.
4. Create your own traditions
It’s okay to adjust traditions to meet the current needs of you and your family, including where you go, who you see, and what you do. The holidays are supposed to be a joy-filled experience, and if things are causing you more stress, it might be worth evaluating.
5. Do something nice for yourself
The focus around the holidays can be so centred around everyone else that it can be easy to push your own needs to the side. Do something nice for yourself this holiday season, whether it’s planning a vacation you want to take next year, getting together with your friends, or having a relaxing evening at home. If you’re looking for things to do for yourself out of self-love, check out this post here!