As the holiday season approaches, excitement fills the air — unless you’re a mom, that is. Each year, I eagerly anticipate this festive time, only to realize the challenges that come with it. The holidays can be overwhelming, with school parties, holiday outfits, Christmas cards, and a seemingly endless list of gifts to buy, wrap, and hide. By the time the new year rolls around, many of us end up feeling like we’ve run a marathon.
Last January, I made a commitment to myself: I would approach the holiday season differently this year. I aimed to devise a plan that would allow me to truly enjoy the festivities without succumbing to the stress of finding the perfect gifts or the best holiday cards. Studies even show that people who start decorating early tend to be happier. After eight months of planning, I’m ready to embrace the holidays this December — and you can, too. Even though it’s still summer, here’s how I’m preparing for Christmas:
1. Keeping a Gift List
Every year, I find myself scrambling to get the perfect presents. By mid-December, I’m just hoping to find something that won’t be outright rejected. However, with a little pre-planning, I can alleviate this pressure. As soon as my kids express interest in something, I jot it down in my Christmas notes. If my son mentions wanting a superhero car or my daughter needs a trendy accessory, I respond, “Let’s make sure Santa knows!” They have no idea that Santa’s already on the case.
I also pay attention to what others in my family mention. If you’ve casually expressed a desire for something in my presence, there’s a good chance it will appear under the tree for you. I’m even mindful of my own thoughts. If I think, “Aunt Linda would love that,” I add it to my list, hoping to surprise her during our family gift exchange.
2. Shopping Early
I’ve made it known that I plan to have all my gifts purchased before December. Imagine having everything bought and wrapped before the holiday rush begins! It might sound ambitious, but armed with my list and taking advantage of Black Friday deals, it’s totally achievable.
3. Buying Holiday Attire Ahead of Time
Christmas-themed clothing starts appearing in stores as early as October. I won’t be that parent who grumbles about early decorations. Instead, I’ll grab matching pajamas and festive outfits as soon as they hit the shelves, so I don’t forget them in the holiday chaos.
4. Conducting Research Early
Last year, I wasted two hours hunting for affordable Christmas cards. It was frustrating and didn’t create the cozy feelings one expects during the holidays. This year, I’ve created a holiday to-do list, and any item that requires research will be tackled by October or November.
While I know my plan may not be foolproof — I might still find myself rushing around in December — I hope to minimize my holiday anxiety this year. My kids won’t stay young forever, and I want to cherish these moments together. I want to focus on baking cookies, decorating the tree, and enjoying holiday movies rather than stressing over my to-do list.
Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season, even if we’re just starting to plan!
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Summary
Planning for the holidays early can alleviate stress and help you truly enjoy this special time with your family. By keeping a running gift list, purchasing gifts in advance, buying holiday attire early, and conducting research ahead of time, you can minimize anxiety and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Keyphrase: holiday planning tips for moms
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