The holidays are such a stressful time for most people – typically because of time and money.
Time is incredibly valuable because you can’t get it back, but most people spend so much of their time doing things they do not enjoy. During the holidays we get time off work and it could be a great opportunity to spend time with family, but instead we spend it shopping, wrapping, cooking/baking, and visiting with people we might not like.
People go overboard with their spending around the holidays, because of obligations – whether with gift reciprocation, excess amounts of food, fancy outfits for parties, and decorations.
Create a Budget. This doesn’t sound fun, but it is crucial to staying organized, and it works for both your time and money! Make sure that you write down your goals, because it will make it more tangible, and is an easy reference to keep yourself on track.
Evaluate what is Necessary. When shopping, ask yourself, what will actually add value to your life, or the lives of those you love? Ask yourself, DO I NEED TO BUY THIS? Or is it just an impulse purchase?
Gift Giving. When considering the gifts you will be giving this year, see what alternatives to the conventional that you can give.
Can you get away with doing a homemade gift or a baked good (if this is something you enjoy doing), or an experience? An experience can be as simple as a picnic where you bring supplies, or a trip to a free museum or art gallery, or a “coupon” to babysitting their children – get creative with it!
If you have a large list of names to give to, can you instead do a group gift, a group donation to a charity rather than individual gifts, or do a Secret Santa gift exchange?
Better yet, ask your friends and family in advance what they would like as a gift, so you know you aren’t wasting your time and money, and cluttering up their space!
Here is another blog I wrote on minimalist and sustainable gift ideas.
Food. How often after the holidays do you have leftovers that end up getting spoiled, or way too many snacks that linger in the cupboards for months and months?
Make sure you are really evaluating how many people are coming to your gathering, if people are going to be bringing items to share, and what people prefer for snacks. A potluck can be a great idea to keep a limit on the amount of food, and also ensures you aren’t stuck with a bunch of leftovers because your attendees have to bring their dish home with them after.
Budget your Time. Evaluate what is necessary; what brings you joy around the holidays. This could be a child’s concert or play, caroling, looking at the lights in the neighbourhood, baking, reading, or watching Christmas movies.
Don’t waste time on things you do not enjoy. Do you really need to go to that work Christmas party that you dread every year? Or that concert by your cousin’s son’s school?
Your time is valuable, and hopefully you’ve been given a couple days off work with which to enjoy it.
Can you delegate tasks to people who enjoy them or are professionals? I find women, especially wives and mothers put way too much on themselves and it is really good idea to have some extra helpers!
Declutter Before the Holidays. Go through your items and purge what you don’t use or need BEFORE the holidays start! This could be children’s toys, clothing, mugs, kitchen ware, towels etc. Often you will get a bunch of new gifts during the holiday season, and you won’t know what to do with them because you don’t have room to put them.
Do it before the exhaustion of the holiday season starts, so you are more inclined to do it! Also, if you declutter decorations before the holiday begins, then those items are more likely to be sold in a timely manner at second hand stores. Donate items to charities or shelters, so you are helping those in need!
Practice Self-Care. Lastly, but most important – make sure you are kind to yourself and schedule in some self-care. Do what brings you joy and will bring you relaxation during the holidays. Remember that this is just a once a year thing, and even if everything doesn’t go exactly as you want, it will all work out! Your sanity and happiness is the most important thing.
