Lights are twinkling. Homes are decorated with trees and greenery. Everywhere you look you see signs of the holidays — but you may also be feeling burdened. Instead of appreciating the sparkle of the season, you’re busy agonizing over how to shop for the perfect gifts, take the kids or grandkids to every fun Christmas event and perfectly prepare your home for hosting guests.
It’s true that there’s a lot to do every holiday season. But we’re letting the stress and the “must dos” interfere with what’s supposed to be a pleasant time for ourselves and our families. In a survey conducted by Healthline, 62 percent of people said their stress levels were “very or somewhat” higher during the holidays. Only 10 percent of people said they had no holiday-related stress!
Avoid enduring the stress and look for the ways to simply enjoy the season. Reduce the stress and experience the magic by finding ways to minimize your workload and save time.
* Set priorities for your time. Decide as a family on one (okay, maybe two) events you’d like to make time for. Maybe that’s Storybook Land or a holiday craft fair. Sprinkle in a holiday party or two and you’ll be set. Minimize the “have tos” on your calendar.
* Not everything has to be homemade. If holiday baking is giving you more anxiety than delight, don’t think twice about getting your goods from a local bakery. Not everyone must produce Pinterest-worthy Christmas cookies.
* Consider ways to reduce the time you spend doing housework or getting ready for guests. For example, you could hire a cleaning service for the holidays.
* Simplify your personal self care routine. How can you always look great without spending lots of time? Permanent makeup for eyebrows, eyes and lips is a great solution. When you work with Cheryl, you’ll ensure that the intricate work of making you look beautiful day and night is done professionally.