As we get closer and closer to Christmas, overwhelm can become a big issue for many of us. Somehow this time of year seems to be more chaotic, more stressful and more emotional. I have some tips on how to deal with the overwhelm and insert a little bit of self-care into your day, so that when you finally reach the finish line – Christmas Eve/Christmas Day/New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day (take your pick) – you’ll be ready to enjoy the time with family and friends. You’ll be able to be present and in the moment and actually enjoy the holidays.
First things first, you need a plan. Your plan should be written down. The brain has a way of going in circles when it thinks that it needs to keep reminding us to do things in case we forget. If we write the list down, the brain relaxes. It trusts that the things that have to be done are captured and it doesn’t have to remind you every five minutes to do x, y and z.
Step Two: review your plan. It needs to be realistic. We have less than 20 days to go. Make sure that what you want to do can be done without completely exhausting you. And if you can, enlist the help of your kids, spouse, and family members. Delegation is a beautiful thing … provided that you don’t micromanage!
Step Three: decide on the timing. What needs to be done when and what preparation needs to be done to complete that task. For example, Christmas dinner. Do you have a menu? Great. Do you have all the ingredients? Make a shopping list and plan when you’re going to shop. Somethings can be bought now and put in the freezer – the turkey, prime rib, or whatever protein you’re planning to cook. The non-perishables can be bought now too. The vegetables and breads will need to be bought closer to the time.
Step Four: Plan your day the night before. Decide what six items are the most important and work on them one at a time. If you don’t get all six things done, don’t beat yourself up. Move them to the next day, but make sure that you’re list still has six things to be done.
The most important thing to include in your daily plan is self-care time – plan to spend time with the Lord and read your bible. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish by starting the day with Him. And end the day with Him. Be grateful for what you’ve accomplished, and give Him the glory for guiding your footsteps.
When the finish line arrives, whatever didn’t get done probably won’t really matter at all. The most important thing is to spend time with family and friends. They don’t care how carefully you decorated the tree. They don’t care if the sugar cookies are not perfectly iced. They do care about spending precious time with YOU.
Suggested To Do List Planner (free downloadable PDF below – and let me know if you found the planner useful):
- Make a plan (make sure it’s realistic!) – some ideas:
* Confirm your numbers
* Decide whether to use your own plates and cutlery or paper plates and biodegradable cutlery
* Plan your menu and create a master shopping list
* Prepare things that can be frozen in advanceCreate a timeline for preparing the other dishes
* Stock up with drinks – alcoholic and non-alcoholic - Prioritize the plan and delegate wherever possible
* Two weeks before: stock up on groceries and non-perishables
* Make dishes in advance that can be frozen
* Make a trip to the liquor store
* Get items for your table decorations
* Decorate the house – get the family to help
* Wrap the gifts and put under the tree
* Set up your playlist with wonderful Christmas music - The day before:
* Prepare the items that can be refrigerated – vegetables, fruit, sauces, etc. - On the day:
* Set the table
* Put the turkey in the oven
* Get sides ready to cook
* Check the powder room – set up clean hand towels and extra toilet paper; use a great smelling hand soap.
* Set aside space for dirty dishes
* Have extra garbage bags ready
* Make sure the outside lights are on and the driveway is clear of ice and snow
* Set out the snacks and get the playlist ready to go
* Take time for yourself to get dressed and feel beautiful
ENJOY THE MOMENT
Plan your day the night before:
* Start your day with the Lord
* Work through one task at a time
* Don’t overload the daily to do list – be realistic
* Transfer unfinished items to tomorrow’s list
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
The most important point of all … have fun! Be grateful. Enjoy this precious time with your family. This really is the most wonderful time of the year.
Voyage through Life 