Surviving the Holidaze

Is it possible for your holidays to feel peaceful and stress free? To capture that Norman Rockwell feeling? Thanksgiving is marketed before Halloween. Christmas ads show up way before Thanksgiving. New Year’s Eve champagne party ads collide with Christmas carols. And Kwanzaa and Chanukah wedge their ads in between, over and under the big 3 – Turkey Day, Santa Clause, and the crashing crystal ball over Times Square. This overlapping of holiday marketing drives our spirit to tears. The holidays become a time of long “to do” lists, overcommitment, overbuying, overeating, and sleep deprivation.

How do we skip this Holiday stress?

1. Have a clear vision of what you want for your holidays – no, really, imagine exactly what your perfect holiday would look like and feel like.

2. Discover the visions of other members of your family – they are probably different from yours.

3. Have a family meeting and write down every one’s goals – compromise – then put agreed events on the calendar.

4. Put not only events on the calendar but also all projects like decorating, shopping, baking, and sending out cards.

5. If the calendar looks overwhelming – again communicate and delete some items. Leave some empty space for the unexpected and some time just to enjoy your home.

6. Follow the plan on your calendar but don’t let the calendar rule you. You can change items. Remain flexible.

The most important idea here is that you need to know what you want and plan for it to happen. This can greatly reduce your holiday stress.

Happy Holidays to you all!

Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer