10 Tips For Dealing With The Holidays

 

Introduction 

Do you love the holidays?  Hosting everyone at your place and cooking everything from scratch?  Decorating the whole house?  Buying and wrapping lots of gifts?  Going to all the parties?  Listening to Christmas music for weeks on end?   

 

Well if so, this blog post probably isn't for you.  But I wish you all the best. 

 

The holidays can be a very stressful time for some (make that many).  There are so many unwritten rules of what we're supposed to do that we tend to forget the real purpose of the holidays.  To give thanks and enjoy time with our loved ones. 

 

Last year in my blog post "Is Christmas Worth the Effort?", I mentioned my somewhat unorthodox preference for a minimalist Christmas.  Interestingly, it was my second most popular post.  Perhaps it wasn't such a radical idea after all.   

 

I understand not everyone is in a position to give Christmas a pass.  You may not even want to.  But I think most wouldn't mind a little less stress.  So, with that in mind, below are some tips to help lighten your stress during the holidays (and beyond).   

 

Tip #1: Learn to Say No 

You don't have to say yes to every invitation.  You really don't. 

 

Tip #2: Forget the Christmas Cards 

Does anyone beside businesses do this anymore?  I do have one friend who sends a form letter in a Christmas card to a preset list.  I have another friend who sends an email to her distribution list.  Everybody else just texts.  I say go green, and just email or text (with or without emojis).  

 

Tip #3: Tone Down the Decorations 

I'm fine with no decorations, but if you like them, then decorate as much, or as little as you want.  You don't have to buy new decorations every year.  (Honestly, nobody cares.)  You don't have to decorate every room in the house, unless you want to.  You can stick to one room, or one corner of your home for decorating.  You can get by with just a fully decorated 2 foot tree you take out of a box.  It's up to you. 

 

Tip #4: Make Gifts Easy 

My recommendation is no gifts.  If you can't do that, the next best thing is something easy that everyone likes – money.  This can be a gift card, check or cash (whatever works best for you).   

 

Some will say this is laziness.  Maybe so.  But if you have to buy a gift for someone you don't know very well, or who is very finicky about gifts, or has everything already, then you have my permission to give them money.  If they sneer at your gift, definitely take them off future gift lists. 

 

Tip #5: Share the Party Duties 

Most people don't volunteer to host a holiday dinner because of all the work and stress involved.  The invites, the meal prep, the clean-up, keeping everyone entertained.  But who says the host/hostess has to do all the work?  Delegate.   

 

Negotiate with people up front regarding their assignment, and don't let them weasel out of it.  Uncle Brian is in charge of beer.  Aunt June is bringing the dessert.  Billy and Sally are in charge of the clean-up.  Cousin Trudy will be in charge of games, etc.  They might actually enjoy it more if they have a part in it. 

 

Tip #6: Forget About Theme Parties 

Some people like to have an elaborate theme for their party, where you dress up accordingly.  Don't do it.  Some people seem to find it fun.  But it's been my experience that most people find it inconvenient and annoying.   

 

Or, maybe that's just me.  About the only theme party I think I would enjoy is a pajama party where I could wear really comfortable clothes and lay around and watch movies and eat junk food. 

 

Tip #7: Let the Entertainment Flow 

Ideally, you want to set aside some time for people to talk to each other.  But don't force it.  If it's just not happening, then watch a movie, or play a game, or take a walk, or leave everyone alone to do their own thing.  Even if it's scan their phone.  Hey, if that's what they want to do. 

 

Tip #8: Share the Food Prep 

If you are one of those people who love to cook for others, good for you.  Have at it.  If you don't like cooking, then don't.  There are plenty of pre-prepared offerings at neighborhood grocery stores, bakeries, and stores like Costco.   

 

Even if you are hosting the event, what law says you have to make everything from scratch?  Or, that you have to provide all of the food?  Or, any food really?  Guests often offer to bring something out of politeness.  Take them up on it.  A little side dish, a dessert.  They too can pick something up at the neighborhood deli.  You can take care of the main meal.  Or not.   

 

Consult with everyone on the meal.  You don't want three green bean casseroles.  Stick with what people will actually eat.  Maybe fewer side dishes?  Send food home with people.  

 

Tip #9: Delegate the Clean Up 

Assign people other than the host/hostess to decorating and clean up.  After all they're providing the location.  Also, there are some nice paper plates and plastic cups out there these days.  I'm just saying. 

 

Tip #10: Give Overnight Guests Some Space 

If you have overnight guests, have some ready-made food and drinks available and let them know they can help themselves.  Give them your Wi-Fi password and the TV remote.  Make them feel welcome, but don't feel you have to constantly entertain them.   

 

If you are the guest you may prefer the freedom and independence of staying in a nearby hotel (with breakfast included).  More convenient for everyone. 

 

Conclusion  

Did you find something that was helpful?  Do you have any suggestions?  Don't be afraid to create new (less stressful) traditions of your own.