Holiday Sanity Savers: Tips for a More Organized & Peaceful Celebration

The holidays are a time for connection and togetherness, often celebrated with family and friends. However, these gatherings can also be a source of stress. Between the stress of being a host and dealing with family drama, it’s a recipe for feeling overwhelmed. 

But fear not! I believe that with a little planning and some mindful adjustments, you can cultivate more peaceful and enjoyable holiday celebrations large or small. 

Discover my last minute tips and actionable steps to transform your holiday celebrations into moments of joy and connection. 

For Smaller Gatherings:

Hanukkah small dinner table

Embrace Simplicity: Don’t overthink the menu. Focus on a few well-executed dishes or even potluck-style meals to share the load. Be prepared with containers, foil, wraps and bags to help pack-up or store leftovers. 

Decorate Mindfully: Choose a few key decorations that bring you delight. Pull out a couple of meaningful things. Candles (real flame or battery operated) can fill the space with holiday light. Less is often more, especially in smaller spaces. Less clutter, less to clean and store later. 

Prioritize Presence: Put down your phone and truly connect with your loved ones. Have a family friendly game on hand to involve everyone and create fun! Engage in meaningful conversations and create lasting memories. 

For Larger Gatherings:

Delegate & Collaborate: Don’t try to do it all yourself! It is not too late! Assign tasks to family members or friends such as bringing a side dish, appetizer, beer/wine or dessert. Ask for help with setting up the table and last minute decorating. You could even ask for someone to create a playlist of family favorites or festive music that you could play through a wireless speaker or AI device.

Create Zones: Designate areas for different activities, such as a kids’ play area or a quiet reading nook for those who just need some quiet time. Often time guests like to congregate in the kitchen. Have zones for food prep and clean-up. If there are last minute gifts to be wrapped, have an area supplied with gift wrap, tape, bows, tissue and gift bags. Set a zone for gifts to be placed where guests can sit around and share gifts.  

Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say “no” to extra commitments or requests. Protect your time and energy.

 

General Tips for Less Stressful Celebrations:

Declutter Early: A clutter-free environment promotes a calmer mind. Take some time to declutter before the celebrations begin. This will help you create the space you need for your celebration and space you need for the people who are important to you. 

Plan Ahead: Create a rough schedule or timeline and a to-do list for the day to help things run smoothly. Keep a list or place a sticky note in each of the dishes you plan on using so you don’t find yourself wondering what a dish was designated for and find the pickles in the back of the fridge as you are putting away leftovers. 

Practice Self-Care: Schedule time for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether it’s a warm bath, a walk in nature, or simply reading a book, prioritize your well-being. Make time to keep up with your workout schedule or meditation practice. Give yourself ample time for sleep. And schedule ahead for a massage once all of your guests have departed.

Focus on Gratitude: Take time each day to appreciate the good things in your life. Gratitude can shift your perspective and reduce stress.

Family Game Night

Remember, holiday celebrations are about connection and creating meaningful memories. By embracing simplicity, practicing self-care, and focusing on what truly matters, you can navigate these gatherings with more peace and joy.

Happy Holidays from  

Kim signature

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