Christmas is like a bad cold. You know it’s coming on, and yet we are still surprised upon its arrival. I know I’m getting older because I keep saying, “Where has this year gone?!” My husband, Clark Griswald, put up our tree the weekend after Halloween. I also noticed eggnog in the fridge. And holiday cheer in the form of John Legend’s Christmas album echoes through my home.
Christmas is here, whether I like it or not, and whether I am PREPARED or not! Here are FIVE ideas and tips to (hopefully) help preserve your sanity and make this season less chaotic (if that is even possible) while preparing for Christmas!
- Wrap prezzies as soon as you buy them.
Invite a friend over to help! Lay out all the supplies, put on a Hallmark movie, and make hot chocolate. Wear an ugly sweater or those sweatpants you’ve had since circa ‘98. Be comfortable, cozy, have fun, and get it done! - Designate an area for gifts where you won’t forget them.
Pick one space. A shelf or closet somewhere. Put a reminder on your cell phone and tell your spouse. Losing presents then having to buy replacements, and then finding them later is the worst! (This has totally happened to me!) - Make “me” time.
Self care is NOT selfish. Maybe it’s getting a mani/pedi for that work party. Or soaking in the tub after the kids are in bed and not getting out until you’re a prune and look like you’re filming the sequel to Cocoon. Keep your therapist on high alert. Whatever you need to do to keep your head right, DO IT. You have too many people, especially those tiny humans of yours, counting on you. - Hire someone or ask for help.
If you’re overwhelmed with holiday hosting, hire some help. Hire a housekeeper to clean your bathrooms, a landscaping company to haul away the leaves, or pay that weird neighbor kid $20 to do it. Get creative. Do not lose your mind over this stuff – it is NOT worth it. - Go to Zoo Lights.
Maybe if we go earlier, it will be less crowded and not as cold? I don’t know. But I love it and it feels like Christmas. So, get those kiddies in their thermals, gloves, and hats. Don’t forget yours, too. Bring a couple of blankets for the train ride and sip some hot chocolate.
Take a deep breath, and enjoy this magical time with your family! What helpful holiday hints do you have to make your season less stressed?
