HOW TO KEEP THE HOLIDAYS STRESS-FREE

I love this time of year, but it certainly can get very overwhelming. Now that my husband and I have a family of our own, we try to make plans that work for us and our son, while still visiting family. I wanted to give a few tips on how we keep the holidays stress-free.

We are lucky enough that my family, along with my husband’s family, are within 30 minutes of each other. I know many families that travel from state to state and my hat is off to you. Traveling during the holidays is stressful enough and adding kids to the mix – game over.

1. The first thing I like to do as soon as December begins, is start decorating. It puts me in the Christmas spirit and with some good classic Christmas music, my son and I were dancing around the house in our pjs. It also removes the task from your to-do list. Spend one day to get your decorating done and then you have the rest of the month to take care of other business.
2. Make your lists. I usually end up with 5 lists around my house of things that need to be finished for Christmas, grocery shopping, or Christmas Gift Ideas for our family. I try to start my shopping early. I always joke that our spare bedroom turns in to my mini-workshop. This year is no joke when it comes to hiding present from a Toddler. He’s a little ninja and he sees everything!
3. Keep your date nights. My husband and I have been slacking big time in the Date-Night department. We both have crazy hours and anything after 8pm for me should include my bed and hot tea. But, needless to say, it is so important to take the time for each other. Get a babysitter one night and knock out everyone on your Christmas list. It’s always fun brainstorming ideas together. Or maybe just go see a movie with a big bucket of popcorn. Either way, don’t forget about each other. I did a post a while ago for some great date-night ideas.
4. This year we’ve been trying to stick to a budget. I’m guilty for going overboard on the nieces and nephews, but kids are so much fun to shop for! We haven’t discussed what Santa will be bringing Oliver this year, but I’m sure he will love it no matter what. It’s so magical to see their eyes light up on Christmas day!
5. Do what works for your family. We went back and forth so many times about traveling, where to go, what to do, who we will be able to see. And it is so important for Oliver to see all of his family. But at the end of the day, we try not to stretch ourselves too thin. We know what works for us and we try to stick to a routine so Oliver isn’t too overwhelmed.

What do you do to keep the holidays stress-free?!