How To Take The Stress Out Of The Holidays!
We all know the holidays are one of the most wonderful times of the year, but they can also be one of the most stressful. Between gift-giving, cooking fancy holiday meals, and the desire to plan perfect memorable days for your loved ones, it can all be very overwhelming. But the truth is, it doesn't have to be.
As a parent we already juggle a lot, so why not do yourself a favor and make a few choices that take some of the weight off of you this holiday season. We've compiled our favorite holiday hacks that allow us to enjoy the holidays just as much as everyone around us! See what works for you!
1- Find A Trusted Gift Guide!
When it comes time to grab presents for everyone in the family, it's tricky to know what will be a hit, especially when you've got all your other holiday preparations on the brain. But once you find a holiday gift guide, it all seems so much simpler. Holiday gift guides are lists that compile the most sought after presents of the season and organize them so that you can find a perfectly matched gift for anyone quickly.
With online guides like thetoyreport, you don't have to sit through commercials trying to figure out what the hottest new toy is, or wander around the mall guessing at what your niece or nephew likes. Or check out the yearly gift guides targeted at adults, when Secret Santa rolls around. So this year you won't have to stress about what your coworker wants either.
These gift guides give you a roundup of what's on-trend for any age. Then you can go to the store or order through any links they've got. You can take hours of your holiday shopping routine with their research and planning.
2- Choose to Make Ahead Side Dishes This Year!
Another obstacle for a happy holiday season is cooking a meal for the big day. It doesn't matter if it's for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or New Years, it's difficult to time it right. Worrying about how to correctly line up all your dishes so you can eat at a reasonable hour can take the fun out of the holidays. But if you find some recipes, you like that you can prep the day before you'll cut down some of your stress on the day of.
When most people think of make-ahead recipes, they only imagine baked goods or desserts. In reality, there are tons of things you can make early. Consider making a dish like a pasta salad that can genuinely be completed the day before. Or if you need to cook on the day, try prepping and mixing everything the day before, so you only have to pop it in the oven on the day off. This hack is especially helpful with anything that has to marinate, like a turkey or ham, as it just gives your dish more time to absorb the flavor without causing you any more stress.
3- Give Smarter Thank Yous
When we think of the holidays, most of us think of presents, but our parents remember all the thank you cards that come after. Instead of toiling away this year writing everyone a small note they're sure to throw away after a few days, why not send a thoughtful video instead. Have everyone take a video showing their gift in action and saying thank you. It'll take less time, and show the gift giver that their choice is genuinely appreciated.
In The End
Altogether it's not really about the material things but the joy you share being together. Enjoy the holidays the way you know they bring you the most joy. Spend time together, and give the people around you the gifts and food that you know to remind them of the season that they spend with you.
