Ah, Christmas! What a fantastic time of joy, carols, twinkling lights, and… let’s not forget the stress, shall we? While the holiday season is meant to be a time of celebration, it can also leave us feeling pretty frazzled.
Juggling everything from Christmas shopping to cooking that perfect roast, and the ins and outs of family dynamics, it can all get a little overwhelming.
A few years ago, just two days into our holiday, my husband turned to me and said he’d be more relaxed if he went back to work! That was the moment it hit me: something had to change.
Since then, I’ve made it my mission to learn from all my over-committing mistakes. I’ve got 25 super handy tips to share so you can ditch the overwhelm, stick to your Christmas budget and fully embrace the holiday cheer.
Read on to dial down the stress this festive season!
Get Organised & Expect the Unexpected
Hold on to your Santa hats because the first step to a stress-free Christmas is getting yourself organised! It’s not as exciting as decking out the tree or wrapping presents, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Avoid the anxiety by planning like a pro this Christmas, and have a backup for when the unexpected comes knocking on your door (because, let’s face it, it will!).
Here are my smartest Christmas planning tips:
1. Make a Festive Season Calendar
The festive season is jam-packed with family events, deadlines, and commitments galore. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, you need a clear overview of what’s happening and when.
Create a holiday calendar where you can jot down all your important dates and deadlines. Factor in all the essential tasks like gift shopping, decorating, and Christmas menu prep.
Once you’ve made your holiday calendar, prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance, then break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. This will keep you from feeling totally swamped or running around at the last minute.
2. Keep Cheese & Champagne In The Fridge
Have a big bunch of surprise visitors? Always keep a few bottles of Prosecco (around $10 a bottle) in the fridge during the festive season. I like keeping some fresh berries in the fridge to jazz up the drinks a little.
For nibbles, go with the most versatile snack option for holiday visitors – cheese! Simply stock your dairy drawer with a soft goat cheese (garnish with fresh ground black pepper), a hard cheddar, and camembert. Pair with water crackers, fig jam, sliced apples, strawberries and a bunch of grapes. Add height to the platter with some breadsticks in an upright jar.
Keen to put a healthy spin on holiday snacking? Opt for lower fat cheeses and wholegrain crackers, or prepare veggies and hummus for dipping.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
During the holiday season, it’s easy to find ourselves caught up in a whirlwind of activities, from office parties to school events and everything in between. However, it’s essential not to compromise your wellbeing or mental health.
The most critical skill? Learning to say no when necessary. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to decline an invitation to a holiday event or party if you’re already feeling stretched thin.
Setting boundaries with family keeps things manageable, too. For example, let your relatives know you’ll need a day’s notice to entertain guests. If they show up on your doorstep anyway? Unfortunately, you’re “just heading out, ” so it’s too bad for them!
By setting clear expectations (and sticking to your guns), you can create the manageable holiday season you want to see.
4. Stock the Freezer with Meals
Meal planning can be an absolute lifesaver during the busy holiday season. It’s not just about the big day (we’ll get to that menu later) – I’m talking about the hectic weeks before and after.
As the countdown to Christmas begins, it’s time to start batch cooking and freezing some trusty family meals. By stocking the freezer, you’ll have a stash of delicious and nutritious dinners ready, even on the busiest days.
Not only will this save you precious time, but it also sets you up to make healthy choices (and avoid the temptation of takeaway).
Master Christmas Menu Planning
Planning the Christmas menu might kick off the cold sweats, but it doesn’t have to be that way! No more last-minute recipe hunts or stressful supermarket runs. With some strategic planning, you can whip up an irresistible Christmas feast while saving time and money.
Here are my top strategies for stress-free hosting this year:
5. Plan & Shop for Groceries Early
This year, get ahead of the game by organising your menu ahead of time. List all your holiday meals, snacks, and treats, along with a timeline of when you’ll need to cook them. Next, create a complete shopping list for the ingredients you need, and keep an eye out for anything you can pick up on special.
If there’s anything you can prepare in advance, use your fridge and freezer space wisely to cut down on Christmas Day cooking. The more you can do in advance, the more you can relax and enjoy yourself!
6. Pare Back the Menu
When it comes to festive meals, there’s no need to go all out with a four-course extravaganza. Instead, why not stick to your family’s tried-and-true favourites? Stick to a simple main and a few sides, with a dessert you can prepare beforehand.
If all else fails, why not celebrate in true Aussie style with a classic backyard barbie? Head to the local butcher and grab some tasty lean sausages, then ask your guests to contribute by bringing a salad, dessert or drinks. That way, you won’t find yourself playing chef all day.
7. Check for Dietary Restrictions
As you assemble your Christmas menu, check in with all your guests about dietary restrictions or preferences. Whether it’s a food allergy, intolerance, or personal choice like vegetarianism or veganism, you don’t want to find out at the last minute!
Being a gracious host means ensuring everyone is included, even if it takes a bit of extra effort. If you’re unsure how to accommodate someone, don’t be afraid to ask them!
If you have a lot of varied dietary needs in the family or some very sensitive allergies in the mix, a ‘bring a plate’ strategy might tactfully ensure there’s something everyone can eat.
8. Shift Tasks Off Your Plate
If you’re hosting, don’t hesitate to ask for help with any tasks you can delegate. Can one of your siblings take care of the table decorations? How about picking up drinks and ice? Don’t feel like you have to do it all this year because there’s no shame in sharing the load.
This goes double for preparing food – stick someone on BBQ duty and get the millennials of the family shaking Insta-worthy cocktails. Having everyone involved creates a fun bonding experience and takes some of the pressure off, so you can enjoy the party, too.
9. Include Healthy Meals & Snacks
The holiday season is usually a time for indulgence, but that doesn’t mean we have to abandon healthy habits! It’s incredible how much better you feel when you keep your energy up with nutritious meals and snacks.
Avoid the holiday ‘blah’ feeling by adding healthier options to your Christmas menu, like salads and veggie-based snacks. Remember to stay hydrated with plenty of water, too! Physical and mental wellness go hand-in-hand, so taking care of yourself sets you up for a stress-free Christmas season.
Coast Through Family Conflict
Amidst all the chaos, don’t forget the true meaning of Christmas – spending time with family and spreading joy and kindness. Actually, that’s not how many family gatherings tend to go… what to do?
Below, you’ll find my best tips to keep a clear head and avoid any family feuds:
10. Be Realistic & Come Prepared
Family dramas during the holidays are almost guaranteed! Be realistic and ensure you’re mentally and emotionally prepared for what might come up.
If you’re having your partner’s parents over for lunch, for example, have a discussion beforehand on how you’ll navigate any recurring challenges. Be prepared to have each other’s backs, including a secret signal if someone needs ‘time out’.
Of course, your relatives may be so delightful this isn’t necessary, but when entertaining guests, a little bit of secret code goes a long way!
11. Try a ‘Respect & Deflect’ Strategy
Here’s a tip for the holidays: treat your family members like you would a colleague. In other words, be respectful, stay professional and keep the peace!
Harvard-trained etiquette expert Sara Jane Ho agrees, recommending that we respond to passive-aggressive comments with a breezy smile. “Just agree and play along,” she says, especially when dealing with in-laws.
Avoid reacting to personal comments in the moment, and try to enjoy the day. Anything that feels out of line can always be addressed later in private.
12. Avoid Toxic Topics
A 20-year study by Purdue University confirms family conflict is most common around those two dreaded subjects: religion and politics.
During the holidays, try to accept family members as they are, even if they don’t meet all your expectations. Avoid getting tanked with the emotional negativity of clashing viewpoints, and steer clear of serious talk during this time of the year!
If an argument with a sibling or cousin is unresolved, take that conversation off the dinner table. Be grateful you’re all together, and fake a smile if you have to.
13. Skip the Social Comparison
Holiday get-togethers are the perfect breeding ground for feelings of inadequacy. Right when we’re weighing up how we feel about the year, we’re hearing about everyone else’s annual accomplishments and milestones.
Remember, that urge to compare ourselves to everyone else is normal, but it can also send our emotions spiralling needlessly. For example, the Within-Family Differences Study found it’s common for siblings to question who the “favourite” really is – and that most of the time, our assumptions are totally wrong!
Don’t get caught up in comparisons. Remember, life isn’t a competition, and your journey is entirely your own.
14. Keep an Eye on the Alcohol
The festive season is usually associated with plenty of booze. It’s fine to enjoy a drink or two this Christmas, but make sure you keep an eye on how much alcohol you and your guests consume.
Alcohol can lower inhibitions, heighten emotions, and increase the likelihood of saying something hurtful that you may regret later. Plus, you want to be present to fully enjoy (and remember) the day!
If you’re hosting, limit the amount of alcohol available and make sure no one is drinking on an empty stomach. Even if you’re feeling stressed, avoid using booze to manage it, or you may find yourself with more drama than you planned.
Gift Smarter This Christmas
As we venture into the season of giving, shake off the advertising jingles and remember it’s the thought that counts! Make this Christmas more meaningful and less stressful with these savvy gifting tips:
15. Do Your Prezzie Shopping Early
To dodge the last-minute holiday shopping frenzy, kickstart the excitement early and create a gift list of everything you need to snag. Check it not once, twice or even thrice to ensure you don’t miss anyone!
Going the online shopping route is always handy since you’ll dodge the chaotic pre-Christmas crowds and take advantage of discounts, making this festive season more budget-friendly.
16. Suggest a Gift Limit or Secret Santa
Having a big extended family means gift-giving can get overwhelming. How about suggesting a dollar limit for gifts this year? If buying individual gifts still feels daunting, how about a Secret Santa?
Remember, even if you can comfortably afford gifts for everybody, you never know who else might be struggling this year. Far from being stingy, a gift limit or Secret Santa policy ensures no one is overburdened by holiday gifting.
17. Gift Experiences, Not Things
If you’re in a time crunch and still haven’t found that perfect gift, there’s no need to stress! Instead of scrambling, jump on a site like RedBalloon to find an experience gift. There’s something for all ages and interests, so explore the options and pick something they’ll love.
Experience gifts are more personal than a gift card, but save you the hassle of running all over town to find a present. Plus, they’re eco-friendly and easy to wrap!
18. Consider a Gift-Free Christmas
At the end of the day, gifts are just one aspect of the festive season. Instead of buying more stuff, why not make it a gift-free Christmas this year? Especially if there are no little ones in your family, skipping the presents can reduce the stress for everyone involved.
Alternatives to Christmas gifts include heartfelt cards or a donation to charity. You can do this Secret Santa style, where each person picks a charity their Santa donates to or pool your donations for one special cause. You can also focus on making memories with a special experience, like a trip or outing.
Adapt Your Wellness Routine
As the hectic holiday season arrives, it’s easy for our health and fitness routines to fall by the wayside. I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way! It’s time to adapt – not abandon – all the healthy habits you’ve built this year.
In this section, I share my advice for maintaining your wellbeing through the Christmas season:
19. Banish Guilt & Aim for Balance
If you need permission, here’s your ticket to enjoy the festivities guilt-free. Instead of fretting over the number of calories you’re consuming, remember that stress contributes to weight gain anyway, so you may as well give yourself a break!
When making healthier Christmas menu choices, focus on getting extra nourishment into your body through this stressful season, not body-focused guilt or shame.
Most importantly, don’t deprive yourself of joy because you feel like you don’t deserve it – after all, it’s not like you do this every day! Go ahead and have that dessert.
20. Exercise for Your Mental Health
Holiday season stress can lead to anxiety and low moods, sabotaging all that Christmas joy and cheer. However, there is good news! Exercise is a natural mental health booster, lowering stress hormone levels and boosting mood.
People feel happier and more positive after a workout, so here’s a challenge: why not kickstart your days this December with an early morning workout? It’s the perfect time to squeeze in a sweat session without all the distractions, and you’ll be ready to tackle the day with a positive mindset.
As a bonus, working out first thing in the morning boosts your metabolism, helping you feel energised and burn more calories all day.
21. Get Enough Restful Sleep
When you’re tempted to stay up late wrapping gifts or watching ‘Love Actually’, remember a lack of sleep can sabotage your mood, energy levels, and immune system. Yikes!
Getting enough rest also helps regulate your appetite and body weight; as sleep goes down and stress increases, leptin levels drop, making us crave fatty foods. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night to stay on top of it.
21. Stay Hydrated
Amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday festivities, drinking enough water tends to slip off the radar until we’re parched. Staying hydrated should be a priority, especially when we’re out and about in the scorching summer heat.
Make it your mission to down at least eight glasses of water daily. Not only does it regulate body temperature and aid digestion, but it also fuels your metabolism for plenty of energy.
Oh, and a little tip? Try to minimise the sugary drinks. They won’t do you any favours when it comes to staying hydrated.
Make Self-Care a Priority
Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, taking care of yourself is important, too. Here are a few tips to stay on top of your mental and physical well-being during this busy time:
22. Establish a ‘Me Time’ Routine
It may be the season of giving, but you have to take care of yourself to take care of everyone else! When the demands and expectations around Christmas can be overwhelming, it’s crucial to make time for yourself.
Take intentional breaks through the day to centre yourself, recharge and rejuvenate using whatever natural stress relief methods work for you. These precious moments of self-care help maintain a sense of balance and calm amidst the holiday chaos and keep a lid on all that stress. Remember, caring for yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary.
23. Focus on Being Present
There are only so many Facebook posts you need to see wishing you a Merry Christmas! Instead of endless scrolling, take the time to disconnect and spend quality time with your family.
Take your kids to the local park or beach, pack a Frisbee or ball for a game of catch, play some beach cricket, or even get digging with a bucket and spade to build a record-breaking sandcastle. If there’s one thing I recommend over the holidays, it’s finding joy in simple pleasures and being present in every moment. So, take advantage of the annual ‘time out’ to reconnect and make memories.
24. Find the Silver Lining
One of my favourite tips for the season is to keep a gratitude journal. As we get closer to the end of the year, take the time to stop and reflect on the things that matter to you in life. By dedicating a few minutes each day to count your blessings, you’ll cultivate a mindset that centres on joy and fulfilment.
It’s also a touchstone for navigating holiday conflicts – after all, we tend to take people for granted until they’re no longer with us. Remembering what you cherish about your loved ones helps shrug off the small potatoes.
25. Don’t Forget to Breathe
When things start to feel overwhelming, take a deep breath and remind yourself that this too shall pass. It’s just one day out of the year, and burning the turkey is just one fleeting moment in the grand scheme of life. It’s a bit flowery, I know, but it’s true!
Amidst the chaos and challenges of the holiday season, it’s important to keep things in perspective and let yourself enjoy what makes Christmas special. Take a deep breath, let the small stuff slide, and make every moment count!
Wrapping Up
Christmas is meant to be a time of happiness and celebration, not stress and chaos. I learned many of these tips the hard way – so in sharing these strategies, I’m hoping other mums can benefit from a less frazzled festive season.
If there’s one tip you take to heart, remember to prioritise your well-being during the holiday season. Remember to listen to your body and mind. Plan ahead, keep things simple, and don’t overcommit – after all, it’s a celebration, not a competition.
You don’t need to push yourself for a bigger and better Christmas celebration. In fact, the best holidays are usually the years we keep it simple and let ourselves be present instead of running around to make the day ‘perfect’ for everyone else.
Wishing you a joyful and stress-free holiday season!
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