8 Tips For Making the Most of the Season & Managing Holiday Stress

The holidays are a magical time, with a sleigh full of ways to celebrate. Focusing on the parts of the season that are most meaningful to you is the key to truly enjoying this time of year. It’s easy to get so caught up in trying to create the best Christmas ever that you lose sight of the things that add the most joy to the season. That’s when overwhelm becomes an unwelcome holiday visitor. Follow these 8 tips for managing holiday stress as you plan a holiday season with maximum joy and minimal hassle.

 Managing Holiday Stress & Making the Most of the Season

Start Early

Most of the fun of the holidays happens in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Create excitement by starting your holiday preparations as soon as you can. Everything doesn’t have to happen at once; even putting up a few decorations up at a time will begin building holiday spirit. Prepare the guest room if you’re having company, adding a few holiday pieces to the space. Little things can spark big magic, like the glow of a candle-lit centerpiece on the table, the aroma of spices simmering on the stove and the sounds of a great Christmas song playlist.

Prioritize

Say yes to what matters most (and remove the guilt around saying “no thank you” or “sorry, my holiday plate is full”). Decide what is most important to you this season, whether it’s relaxation, helping others, spiritual connection or creating memories with family or friends. Then when invitations, events or activities come up, ask yourself if the opportunity aligns with what you most want to enjoy about the season. Remember that the most enjoyable moments are often the most simple, such as playing outside or watching a movie with family. Prioritize time with people who fill you up and bring you joy.

Share With Others

Find a cause that is meaningful to you and support it, either financially or with your time. Whether it’s an individual or a non-profit organization, down the road or around the world, find a way to help make the world better for someone else. Even a small donation will be helpful and will make you feel like part of something bigger than yourself. If you’re not sure where to start, get ideas and review ratings for non-profit organizations at a website like CharityNavigator.org.

Take Time Off

Another one of Santa’s secrets to managing holiday stress is a defined schedule. With many people working from home, having a clear schedule is more important than ever. Mark your calendar with dates and times that you will be unavailable for work this month, and then honor your plan. Avoid turning on your computer or checking email during those times so you can take a much-needed break.

Uphold Traditions

Part of the fun of the season is doing the time-honored rituals that only happen in December, whether that’s baking cookies, watching favorite Christmas movies or hosting a gift exchange with special friends. If past traditions no longer work for you, create new ones! Remember, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to have fun. Get creative with memorable activities that don’t cost much, such as an evening of driving around and looking at Christmas lights (with hot cocoa, of course!). Simple can still be extra sweet and memorable, especially for little ones.

Stick To a Budget

The holidays are full of commercial hype about what to buy for loved ones, from TV commercials showing new cars tied up in giant red ribbons to gadget-filled wish lists from the kids. Regardless of who is on your list or what you plan to get them, decide in advance how much you are willing (and able) to spend and let that be your guide. Acknowledge those who have provided you with loyal service throughout the year with a holiday tip. Remember to factor in the cost of different holiday activities into your expenses, such as concerts, plays or trips to the ice rink (with hot cocoa, of course).

Stay Well

With visiting friends and family, parties and feasting, this is a season to step out of normal routines. However, don’t completely abandon the self-care you need to stay healthy mentally, physically and emotionally. Overdoing it leads to becoming run down, exhausted and even sick. Instead, pace yourself and stay committed to eating healthfully, exercising (remember, something is always better than nothing) and getting enough sleep.

Treat Yourself

It’s worth noting that you’ve made it through a long, difficult year, so celebrate that in a way that feels indulgent to you. Maybe it’s treating yourself to a nice dinner out with a friend, a wintry walk with a friend, or devoting an evening to a bubble bath, a glass of wine and a good book. Do something special for yourself to recharge and enjoy the season, and repeat it as often as you can. Then when the holidays are over, you’ll be refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to make the most of the new year.

Be sure to check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like Gift-Giving Tips for a Gracious Holiday Season. Read Diane’s posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.