Tis’ the season to be jolly, or Stressed….Fa, la, la, la, la.  Let’s face it…We Women stress over everything, however during the holidays it increases at a dramatic rate.  I have found that women tend to stress out more about the shopping, cooking, and everything in between more than men.  Why is that? You would think they would stress about it, something must be wrong with us, right?  Don’t worry if you feel stressed, I think that it’s normal and men naturally don’t worry about what color scheme you want your Christmas tree. 

            So what causes the stress? I think a lot of things: finances, time, family, or your personal situation.  Whatever it is, it can be managed.  I want to share with you all how I have managed to deal with my personal holiday stress.  This year I wanted to make the holidays joyous and merry like it should be.  Remember ladies: your kids are watching you.  🙂 So here are five tips to help manage your holiday stress.

 

1. Try to enjoy the process

            Remember tis’ the season for giving? Well that still stands.  We have to remember when we’re shopping that we are buying gifts because we Want to not because we Have to.  I have tried to play this in my head as I begin my shopping process.  I try to think of the person I am buying for as they open the gift; watching their expressions is priceless.  People can sense when you put thought into a gift and that you are truly giving with love.  Just imagine your kids opening their gifts on Christmas Day, how excited are they? Let that be your motivation during your shopping endeavors.

 

 

 

2. Take your time

            Don’t rush through your shopping.  If you’re a procrastinator (like I am) than you better expect to wait in long lines, and probably not find what you’re looking for.  This year unlike others, I have decided to get a head start on things.  Many people have told me I am behind, however considering my procrastinating skills I feel I am right on time.  It’s smooth sailing when there’s two weeks until Christmas and all your shopping is done.  Then you can refer to number one and enjoy the process.  Do some baking, crafts, or whatever you like during the holidays. 

 

3.  Shop alone

            Since I am SAHM I have to take my kids shopping with me.  Normally my now four year old son gives me a hard time until we go to the toy aisle, it’s not an “enjoyable” experience for me at all.  So since my husband is off early on Fridays I leave the kids behind and do all my shopping.  I grab a coffee and get started.  It’s also a great way to unwind from a busy week with the kids and just to be alone in my thoughts (which in most cases I’m only thinking of my kids, LOL).  If you have a Saturday or Sunday try that out as well just for a few hours. 

 

4.  Make a list, Check it twice

            I think that any type of shopping can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared.  Make a list of all the people you’re going to buy for and put ideas next to their names.  This way you’re not walking around the store like a chicken without a head trying to figure out what they will like.  It’s better to get some ideas and even prices online before you go out into the wild.  I make a list for everything.  My husband actually makes fun of me because I’m so old fashioned a use a notebook and pen.  He’s always telling me, “you know there’s an app for that?” Yes I know that I just like to do it this way  with my colorful hello kitty pens LOL 🙂

 

5.  Online shopping

            I have heard from multiple sources that this is the new way to shop.  Many people skip the crowds and malls and do all their shopping online.  I haven’t fallen into the online shopping addiction quite yet, I still enjoy all the madness.  However I have heard you can get some awesome deals and even free shipping on most items.  So you should definitely check this out, especially if you get stressed out from shopping with big crowds.  I think this is the perfect way to eliminate some of the holiday shopping stress.

 

            I have yet to try online shopping for myself, so if you do online shop I’d love to hear about your Stress free experience.  All these other tips provided have worked great for me.  I have found that sitting back and drinking a ginger spice latte while enjoying the process really helps.  Put on some Christmas music get into the holiday spirit, put the stress aside and worry later.  This time only comes once a year, and I believe that it’s important for our kids to have lasting memories of the holidays.  I always did growing up. 

            Now I want to create new traditions with my own family without being stressed out.  This year I really refused to feel that way.  I have too much to be thankful for and I really just wanted to focus on that.  So if you’re stressed out, it’s OK and completely normal, just try to focus on the positive side of things. 

            I hope these tips help you in your journey through Christmas shopping.  I can’t wait to hear all your stories.  🙂 Thanks for stopping by and let’s keep striving for mommy success during this holiday season.

 

Blessings,

Reina