I’ve been running around like crazy making lists, buying gifts, decorating the house (moving furniture back into the living room), making cookies and doing everything to get ready for Christmas. Last night, while at a friend’s house, I learned that some people don’t send Christmas cards. Got me to thinking of ways that we can eliminate stress during Christmas.
- Don’t send Christmas cards this year. if your friends are truly your friends they won’t blacklist you from their card list.
- Stop baking. We all have enough sweets as it is, don’t we?
- Buy your child one less gift than you plan.
- Stop decorating. If you don’t have a decoration up by now, don’t put it up. Will you really miss it for one year?
- Shop online.
- Decide to go to lunch or dinner with a friend after the holidays instead of exchanging gifts.
- Use gift bags instead of wrapping paper.
- Skip at least one party.
- Do one thing for yourself: read a magazine, watch your favorite show, take a bath.
- Take time to reflect. Step back, knock one thing off of your list for today so that you can sit back with a glass of Chardonnay and reflect on what the season is really about.
ABOUT ALICIA: Alicia is the founder of Balancing Motherhood.com. Last year, she managed to stay sane while completing an MBA, working full-time, blogging, and still baking amazing birthday cakes — all while raising a young family at home.
mamajon says
love it love it love it!!!!! i have never been much into the xmas craze… in fact i find it to be pure stress. i am not sending Xmas cards this year ( a first since i got married) but will do a pdf doc with a picture of us 3 instead and email it around). and agree with you 100% – we have had enough sugar as it is! the holidays should be about quality time with those you love. a present or the exagerated amount of food should not be essential to the equation!
loved that you posted about it 🙂