Avoid A Holiday Burnout: Tips For An Enjoyable Christmas Week

Twas the week of Christmas…the holiday rush…need we say more?

You’re most likely dashing to the store to find last-minute gifts, ingredients, and decorations for your holiday parties. 

Then there’s the mad rush to wrap gifts while the children are away. 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but the holidays can also cause burnout. 

Feeling overwhelmed can leave you stressed, fatigued, and anxious at a time that should be anything but that.

It’s important to balance craziness with self-care. 

Here are some tips on how to navigate this week of Christmas while maintaining your well-being:

Set Realistic Expectations: You do not need to do it all! Choose the most meaningful traditions and activities and let go of the rest. Remember, it’s OK to say no!

Stick With Your Budget: Knowing your limit can reduce stress, especially when it comes to finances.  You may have finished your holiday shopping but as you’re grabbing last-minute items, remember to stick to your budget.

Delegate Tasks: Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Get your family in on the set up for your holiday gathering.  Delegate cooking, cleaning, and wrapping of gifts, especially if they’re offering.  You don’t have to do it all yourself! Sharing responsibilities will lighten your load!

Focus On What Truly Matters:  Don’t stress about perfection.  Take in all of the small moments that bring you joy like watching Christmas movies with your family, playing games, or enjoying a warm cup of cocoa!  It’s these small moments that are precious and create lasting memories.

Practice Gratitude:  Take a moment each day to focus on what you’re grateful for.  Let your loved ones know how much they mean to you.  An optimistic mindset can ease stress levels and create a positive environment.

Accept Imperfection:  I’m a perfectionist so this is hard for me to advise! We all need to let go a little bit.  Not everything is going to be perfect, even if you try😉So let’s embrace the messiness and the chaos that comes with the holidays.  Those imperfect moments may just be the best memories you have created!

Practice Self-Care: Make sure you’re taking care of yourself through all the hustle and bustle.  Getting a good night’s sleep, eating well (when you can😉), staying hydrated (water 😉), and making sure to stay active are all key to reducing stress! We know it can be hard during the holidays to stay completely healthy, but during the times that you can, make sure to stay focused!

So, let’s start setting boundaries, taking care of ourselves, and focusing on what truly matters this Christmas week.  You can then embrace the season with more joy and less stress!  Merry Christmas!