5 Tips For a Simplified Christmas – Free Holiday Planner

The holidays are a wonderful time of year. But they can also be a time of stress, anxiety, and overwhelming messes. If you’re looking for ways to make Christmas less stressful this year, here are 5 tips for a simplified Christmas that will help you do just that!

1. Set a budget

Set a budget – and stick to it! One of the biggest sources of holiday stress is money. Before you even start shopping, sit down and figure out how much you’re willing – and able – to spend. Once you have a number in mind, stick to it! This will help you avoid going into debt or feeling overwhelmed by your holiday purchases.

2. Make a list

Check it twice! Another big source of holiday stress is trying to keep track of everything that needs to be done. From buying gifts to attending parties to cooking meals, there’s a lot to keep track of! To make things easier on yourself, make a list of everything that needs to be done. Then, as you complete each task, check it off your list. This will help you stay organized and on top of everything that needs to be done.

3. Don’t overcommit yourself

Say “no” if you need to! It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and say “yes” to every party invitation or request for help. But if you find yourself getting overwhelmed, it’s okay to say “no.” Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to do everything! Learn to pick and choose what commitments you can handle, and say “no” graciously if needed.

4. Delegate

Ask for help when you need it! The holidays are meant to be enjoyed with family and friends. So if you find yourself getting bogged down with all the things that need to be done, delegate! Ask your spouse, kids, parents, or friends for help with tasks like wrapping gifts, baking cookies, or decorating the house. They’ll be happy to help – and you’ll be able to enjoy the season more knowing that some of the tasks are being taken care of.

5. Take some time for yourself

Even if it’s just 10 minutes! With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself. But if you don’t take some time for yourself, you’ll quickly find yourself feeling stressed out and burnt out. So make sure to schedule some “me time” into your holiday schedule! Whether it’s taking a long bath, taking a walk outside, or reading your favorite book by the fire, carve out some time each day where you can relax and recharge. You’ll be glad you did!

Even if you’re taking all of the steps listed above to simplify your Christmas, there will still be times where you feel overwhelmed. That’s normal! But don’t let it get to you. Instead, take a deep breath and remind yourself that it’s only for a few weeks. When you’re feeling that way, it’s a good time to re-assess and maybe slow down. After all, half the wonder of the holidays is just enjoying each other.

If you’re like me, you might need a little help planning out the holiday season. This free 9 page Holiday Planner printable will help you stay organized. Subscribe below and a download link will be sent to you.

Truly, the holidays don’t have to be a stressful time! With a little bit of planning and some self-care, you can enjoy the season fully and with less stress. So take a deep breath, relax, and start simplifying your Christmas today!