Well hello December! I had a relaxing family Thanksgiving, followed by some Black Friday shopping in which I’m certain my brother never wants to look for a pair of black boots again, however my sister-in law and I finally found the perfect pair 🙂 So after such a leisurely weekend, I lay awake staring at the ceiling at 2am, my mind swirling with all that had to be done in the next 3 weeks. SHOPPING, BAKING, CLEANING… the list went on. So here are some things that I’ve done in the last day to organize my Christmas chaos as I aim for a stress free holiday.
1. The Christmas List- Looking back on my black Friday experience I realize it was a rookie mistake to head out without a list of what I wanted to find for everyone. Hoping that something would “pop” out at me while people were in hand to hand combat with each other over the last plaid scarf in the Galleria was not smart nor stress free planning on my part.
2. Christmas Cards and Bulk Stamps- As much as I love Pinterest for all the Holiday “ideas” it can give, it leaves me in Christmas hell and a tailspin of inadequacy when it comes to homemade or DIY projects. Hence the half completed wreath and Red/Green DIY candle making factory in my dining room. Handmade Cards? Please give me a drink. There are lovely handmade box set cards you can purchase or find online at places like Etsy. My other piece of advice is buy bulk stamps from places like Costco. This way you can sign, seal and stamp all cards from the comfort of your own home and avoid the crazy lines at the post office.
You can find some beautiful cards with a handmade vibe like these ones on Etsy:
 3. Wake Up Early and Shop Online- Even though I live in a big city, I rarely go to a shopping mall (I’m talking like maybe twice a year). I have a general phobia of crowds, add parking and I’m headed to a category 10 melt down. So I shop online or I head out extra early and beat the crowds by strategically visiting certain stores I need to shop at as soon as they open. Parking and maneuvering around the mall is not nearly as stressful at 8:30 am as 4:30pm. Just be sure if shopping online, you factor in shipping time so it gets to you in time for Christmas. Canada Post gives a cut-off of Dec 16th for regular shipping.
4. The Freezer Is Your Best Friend- With all the holiday parties and social commitments from here on out until the New Year, when are you going to find time to do all your baking and cooking? I have started to bake and cook before Thanksgiving and have been freezing it in preparation for the parties and goodie days at the office. I do this becasue I enjoy these holiday traditions- believe it or not, cooking is a stress relieving activity for me. However, if you don’t share my sentiments on that, head out to your local grocer or bakery and purchase your Christmas treats a head of time and freeze them.
5. Follow the K.I.S Principle- At the end of the day, we all have jobs, families and commitments on top of the holidays. Ladies especially, I know we always try to strive for Christmas perfection, which can lead to a stress-induced shortbread binge (it’s ok, we’ve all been there). I’d like to take a page from the book of buddy the elf- “The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is Singing Loud for All to Hear”. Keep it simple, it’s ok to say NO to invites and OK to send out an e-card. Try to remember that it’s the quality time you get to spend with family and friends that they’ll remember, and not the homemade cards or number of gifts.
