Everyone loves to pretend that the holidays are a magical time of year, full of love and carefully wrapped with a Christmas bow. But let’s be real, the holidays kind of suck. Sure, there is an abundance of hot chocolate and turkey, and visits from friends and family, but has anyone ever not been stressed during November and December? Nope. Even if you have zero responsibilities, there is always something going on that makes you want to hide in your room with a tall glass of eggnog. Consider me your guide through the insane season that is upon us.
1. MAKE A PLAN
Are you in charge of hosting Thanksgiving? Do you need to bring a vegan, gluten-free pumpkin pie to Friendsgiving? Make. A. Plan. Write out what you need to do, estimate how long it’s going to take, and figure out what you will need to accomplish that goal. It’s a lot easier than cleaning your entire house on Christmas Eve while everyone else gets to relax and drink hot toddies.
2. MAKE SOME TIME FOR YOURSELF
This is especially important if you have people staying in your home. You have people to entertain, a home to keep running, and the pressure to not have a complete meltdown when you lose the stockings (true story). Try taking a nice, long bath or shower, it will calm you down and give you some much needed alone time. You can also go take a little walk, listen to some of your favorite music, or journal about it. Take a little time so you can focus on the tasks ahead.
3. ASK FOR HELP
It is impossible to pull off hosting, cooking the entire feast, and actually enjoying the holiday without any help. Ask the guests to bring their favorite side dish or appetizer so that it takes some of the weight off of you. There is also no shame in buying premade desserts or hiring a caterer if you don’t want, or have the time, to cook. Also, if you go to Whole Foods and get them to make your sides, no one will know the difference! After the party is over, ask some friends to come over and help you clean your home. The holiday season is all about giving and helping others, right? Ask for help so you don’t drive yourself insane by trying to do it all!
4. BUY GIFTS ONLINE
The internet is a beautiful thing, use it to make your life even better! There are tons of sales and deals online, especially during the holiday season. Don’t waste time and energy going to five stores to find the perfect gifts, just sit back, put on your PJs, and scroll. Just make sure to buy everything early and check the delivery date so that they are sure to arrive by Christmas!
5. BE KIND TO YOURSELF
This is a stressful time full of crazy relatives, flaky friends, and burned pecan pie. Just remember that you are only human and can only do so much! At the end of the day, you did your best and the holidays are behind you, so relax and drink a cup of hot cocoa with extra marshmallows, you earned it girl!