I love the Christmas season: the excitement, the anticipation, the peppermint mocha.
What I don’t love? The STRESS!
Becoming a mom actually made Christmas stressful. Not only was I responsible for my children’s day-to-day well-being, but now I expected myself to become magical when December arrived. And the pressure I put on myself robbed me of the happiness and joy I wanted to experience during the holiday season.
So when I realized things were unmanageable, I took control. Five years ago, after the tree came down and the Christmas season came to a close, I drafted a list, a list titled, “How to Do Christmas Right.” And it changed everything.
The first event I put in my new calendar each year is on November 15. I call it “Check the List.” Too early in the season, you say? Nope!
I review my list, see if anything needs tweaking, and mentally prepare myself for Christmas. Yes, I do this before Thanksgiving. I promise, it works.
Planning ahead actually makes me more open to spontaneity. Knowing things are under control allows me to relax and jump into the joy.
When Christmas is over, I pull the list back out and make any modifications for the coming year. Organizing my brain is the key to eliminating Christmas stress. I’ll be honest – this is the only area of my life that is organized!
No two lists will look alike. Each family has its own style and traditions. But here’s my current list (lifted from my Word document where I store it)…
How to Do Christmas Right:
- have cards ready to mail the day after Thanksgiving (this allows me to happily enjoy everyone else’s cards all month long)
- don’t lose the Christmas card address file; save envelopes, update in January, and toss all the old envelopes
- start decorating the house early but get the tree the second weekend in Dec. (those dang needles)
- don’t wrap on Christmas Eve
- no need to wrap stocking gifts
- bake a few things early and freeze
- make a date night with Farris one evening in December (not a holiday party, not a shopping trip, just the two of us)*
- the REAL Santa is no longer at the mall, but it is critical for the photo collection – therefore, it must be done
- the Rochester Trolley light tour is fun but not necessary every year
* I’m never taking this one off the list. Christmas date night is one of the highlights of the holidays.
Make your list now. You won’t regret it.
Not sure where to begin? Take note of what brings you joy. Keep track of the moments that stress you out this season. Compose your list after the holidays are over.
My list allows me to relax by the fire with Christmas lights twinkling, delighting in every moment with my family. Peace. Joy. Love. And isn’t that what we really want to remember about the Christmas season?
