It’s the time of year for cozy fires, but with the holiday season right around the corner, you might be the one burning out. From curating the perfect holiday spreads to hosting friends and family, wrapping gifts and organizing festive events, you’ve got a lot on your plate (and we’re not talking about pumpkin pie).
If you’d like the coming weeks to actually feel like the most wonderful time of the year, it’s important to keep yourself from burning out. We’ve got 6 ways to keep your holidays merry, festive and decidedly sane this year.
Prepare to delegate
Just scroll Instagram for 10 minutes and you’re bound to see that friend or acquaintance who can “do it all” – and her holiday game is no exception. She’s organizing school functions, hosting cookie exchanges, finishing her shopping by Thanksgiving and mailing holiday cards by December 1. And if it feels impossible to keep up, that’s because it is.
In real life (which – spoiler alert! – is much different than Instagram), you just don’t have that kind of bandwidth. That’s why delegating responsibilities is crucial to keeping your sanity. Sure, your spouse or kids might not have your giftwrapping skills or do justice to your grandma’s pumpkin pie, but letting them pitch in doesn’t just give you a break; it also helps them learn and gives them more reason to appreciate everything you do (because what you do is hard!).
Don’t abandon your “zen” activities
Don’t shoot the messenger, but if you feel like there’s never enough hours in the day, well, things are about to get worse. With activities and responsibilities stacking sky high during the holiday season, it might be tempting to cut a few things out of your schedule. That said, your “zen” activities – like your favorite yoga class, your morning meditation routine or your daily run – should never get the axe.
Studies show that people with hobbies are less stressed and anxious than those without, and during the holiday season, we could all use a little less stress and anxiety. So this year, be sure your yoga towel gets as much use as your scissors and tape dispenser.
Take Easy Street
We’re going to let you in on a little secret; you’re not going to ruin Thanksgiving dinner by baking up some frozen rolls. With all the traditions that surround the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in doing things the “right way” (i.e. the most difficult way). But if you’d like to save a little energy – and probably a lot of sanity – consider getting more acquainted with Easy Street.
If there’s an easier, faster way to do something, don’t feel guilty opting for the path of least resistance. Go for pre-cooked or prepared foods for holiday gatherings and stock up on gift bags to avoid time-consuming wrapping sessions. Apartment Therapy offers dozens of time-saving holiday hacks, so be sure to check them out and get comfortable with our favorite street in town!
Reconsider all the “stuff”
You’ve got to admit, The Grinch really had a point. When it comes to all the gifts – the wrapping paper and the Amazon deliveries and the gift receipts – it’s easy to lose the spirit of the season in all the trimmings.
This year, rethink your gift-giving strategy. Of course, we don’t mean you should start crossing people off your list (unless you want to), but instead, think about creating memories, forging new experiences and doing some good. Rather than tying a bow on another necktie or bottle of perfume, plan a one-on-one lunch or even a weekend away with your parents or siblings. Or if you’re looking to spread some seasonal goodness, choose a charity close to your heart and make donations in your loved ones’ names.
Plan for “silent nights”
While the quintessential Christmas carol describes the season as calm and bright, this time of year can feel anything but. In fact, between work events, family parties, church and school activities – just to name a few – those November and December weekends may already be filling up.
This year, give yourself the gift of a silent night – or several – by blocking your calendar for some quiet and peaceful evenings at home. Whether you dedicate the day to wrapping gifts, baking cookies or curling up on the couch with a Hallmark movie, make sure you’re setting aside the time you need to recover and recharge.
Prepare in advance
Santa might have his list down pat, but for the rest of us, the struggle is real. If you’re like us, there’s always a person or gift that slipped your mind. Make sure you’ve got something festive on hand for teachers, friends, hostesses or unexpected guests.
Our holiday collection offers the perfect assortment of merry, whimsical prints that are sure to delight all season long. Stock up now to make sure you have the perfect offering on hand for any occasion.
The holiday season starts now, so be sure you’re giving yourself the ultimate gift – your own sanity!