As a mom and entrepreneur who's juggled countless hectic Decembers, I know the joy and chaos of the holidays all too well. My son Sam has been buzzing about Christmas for months. When I joke it's all about the presents, he sets me straight: "I love the twinkling tree, the lights, and family time." His dreamy expression melts my heart—he's a family enthusiast like me. I adore the cozy buildup to the season, especially with chilly weather calling for mulled wine, a roaring fire, pajama pants, and my cat curled up on my lap. But December isn't just cocooning; it's packed with to-dos. That's why these battle-tested anti-stress tips have become my go-to guide.
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The holiday stress meter is in the red. As December looms, we're hit with end-of-year work drinks, obligatory multi-course dinners, school events craving parent volunteers, gift wrapping marathons, and juggling 'who's where when.' Last year, after one meltdown too many, I crafted this list of anti-stress strategies. They've helped me reclaim the season ever since.
Read also: Reducing stress by making stress your ally
That's why two years ago, I skipped family Christmas for two weeks in a seaside cottage. We dined out on Christmas Eve at a kid-friendly spot and lounged in pajamas all day. No obligations, no frantic shopping, no rigid schedules—pure bliss.
Yet, a pang lingered. I missed my mom's impeccably Christmas-decorated home, Kir Royale on arrival, family debriefs, my brother's tear-inducing jokes, and the gift-unwrapping frenzy (we vow fewer presents yearly, but they multiply). I felt oddly adrift, like it wasn't 'real' Christmas. The upside? Absence sharpens appreciation for even the quirks no tip can replicate.
Back home, December stress had me in perpetual PMS mode. Baking elaborate cakes for Sam's school event (why not store-bought pancakes or juice and cups?), mapping gift runs for 10+ people amid crowds rivaling the Bijenkorf's wildest sales. Everyone irked me.
Post-Christmas, sweeping pine needles and lamenting holiday weight gain, I vowed change. I listed these tips for 2016—and with November here, I'm recommitting. They've worked wonders year after year.
I won't let perfectionists guilt me into homemade cards (except for my 92-year-old grandma) or ultra-healthy school dishes. One gluten/sugar/lactose-laden contribution? Check. New Year's drinks? Only for true VIPs—two max.
Start now: List recipients (son, partner, parents, brother, sister-in-law, neighbors, teachers). Buy ahead to dodge last-minute mayhem.
Suggest buffets where everyone brings a dish. Casual grazing beats seated six-course extravaganzas—kid-friendly too (think nuggets, snowman ice creams, pizza rolls).
As a freelancer, holidays aren't automatic. Negotiate client downtime for true rest. Past years, I worked till Christmas Eve, dashing to glam up last-minute. Not anymore.
Hunt early for a flattering little black dress that flatters post-feasting and fizz.
Read also: How do you deal with Christmas stress?
For dire moments, try these unorthodox fixes:
Show up at parents' for Sinterklaas/Christmas/New Year's—stay over. They'll love doting; bring flowers, wine, or chocolate 'I love you' letters. Handle fireworks or oliebollen for NYE.
Tackle that backlog pre-December. Hidden gems from impulse buys often perfect for dinners or drinks.
Embrace pajamas for all festivities—couch-bound with loved ones. Skip gourmet fuss for comfort food. #NoMakeup #NoFilters
For non-believer kids: Pea soup, speculaas, chocolate milk/mulled wine, simple gifts (iTunes card, voucher, socks). Done!
Sleep through till January 6th. #WhatDidIMiss #IsItFridayYet #Yes
Image used via Shutterstock
