The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and cheer, yet for many moms, it can become overwhelming. Each year, I eagerly anticipate the festivities, dreaming of twinkling lights and delicious treats. But then reality hits. As a mom, the holiday rush can feel like a marathon. Between baking for school parties, picking out festive outfits, sending out holiday cards, planning meals, and managing a seemingly endless list of gifts—it’s enough to leave anyone frazzled by the time January rolls around.
Last year, I made a commitment to change that. I decided to tackle the holidays with a strategic plan, ensuring I could truly enjoy the season without succumbing to the stress of gift shopping and holiday prep. Studies even suggest that those who start early with their holiday decorations tend to be happier overall! Now, even though summer is still in full swing, I’m already mapping out my holiday strategy, and here’s how:
Maintaining a Gift List
Every year, I find myself scrambling to find the perfect gifts, often settling for something last-minute by mid-December. To combat this, I’ve begun keeping a running list. Whenever my kids express a desire for something, I whip out my phone and jot it down in my Christmas notes. So when my son shouts out that he wants a superhero action figure, or my daughter mentions her fascination with a new craft set, I can calmly respond, “Let’s make sure Santa hears about it!” They have no idea that I’m already keeping track.
This list extends beyond my children; I also take note of gifts for family members. If you’ve dropped a hint about something you like in the last few months, chances are it’s going to show up under the tree for you! I even jot down ideas for Secret Santa gifts, ensuring I’m always prepared.
Shopping Ahead of Time
I’ve declared to everyone around me that I will complete my holiday shopping before December arrives. Picture this: all your gifts bought and wrapped before the holiday rush begins. It may sound ambitious, but with my trusty list in hand and Black Friday on the horizon, it’s feasible!
Snagging Holiday Clothing Early
Let’s be honest; holiday-themed clothing starts hitting the shelves as early as October. Rather than grumbling about the early arrival of Christmas merchandise, I’ll be picking up cute matching pajamas and festive outfits as soon as they appear. It’s better to grab them now rather than risk forgetting in the chaos of December.
Conducting Early Research
Last year, I wasted precious time searching for the perfect holiday cards that wouldn’t break the bank—two frustrating hours to be exact! This year, I’ve created a holiday to-do list and plan to tackle any tasks that require research during October or November.
While I know my plan isn’t infallible and I’ll likely find myself in a last-minute scramble at some point in December, I’m optimistic that my anxiety will be significantly reduced. I cherish these fleeting years when my kids still want to bake cookies with me instead of heading out with friends. This year, I’m committed to savoring the moments—decorating, baking, visiting Santa, enjoying holiday movies, and sharing laughter together instead of stressing over my to-do list.
Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season ahead!
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Summary
By starting my holiday planning early, I can reduce stress and truly enjoy the season with my family. From maintaining a gift list to shopping ahead of time and researching holiday cards, these strategies help me cherish the magic of the holidays without feeling overwhelmed.