Everyone wants to enjoy the holidays, but despite our best intentions, the holidays tend to be a stressful time for many. Between over-the-top preparations and the high (and often unrealistic) expectations, we often feel pressured to get the holidays just right.
What if, instead of stressing over the holidays, you could actually enjoy the holidays this year? Read on for five tips where I show you how to slow down and thrive this holiday season.
Tip 1: Start with a dream
Before you jump into your holiday plans, take some time to imagine what you want your holidays to look like. Have you been looking forward to special moments in the kitchen passing down family recipes? Dreaming of snuggling near a fire with your sweetie? Longing for quiet moments alone after the kids go to bed? Paint a picture in your mind first before you jump into your holiday plans.
By taking time to think about how you’d like your holidays to go and how you’d like to feel, you can step back and create space to make it happen. Even if all your holiday plans don’t go exactly as you’d like, it’s more likely that you’ll feel satisfied when you start with this first step.
Instead of stressing, what if you could actually enjoy the holidays? Follow these 5 tips to slow down & thrive this holiday season. Share on XTip 2: Make your wishes known
A great way to keep holiday stress at bay is to communicate your hopes and expectations. As early as possible, you’ll want to get on the same page with those you’ll be spending the holidays with. For example, decide with your family where you’ll spend Christmas and how you’ll ring in the New Year.
Don’t wait until days or even hours before to realize you have completely different plans. Talk out the details and work out any differences early on. The sooner you manage expectations, the better you’ll be able to handle any unwelcomed surprises that might come up.
Tip 3: Next comes a plan
Once you’ve thought about how you want the holidays to go and you’ve had conversations around that, you can then start to make some plans. If you want it to be a peaceful holiday with lots of reflection time, you may need to limit how many activities you get involved in and plan your shopping early. Gift lists and grocery lists will be your friend.
If you want to save your evenings for reflection time, plan to use your breaks and lunch hours to run those errands. Get strategic about how you will use your time, so you’re not overwhelmed with last-minute details.
If you’re doing the cooking, start planning your menu now. Some things can even be made ahead of time, so you’re not doing all the cooking and baking in one day. You can still have a festive holiday meal without the unnecessary stress, if you plan well in advance.
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Tip 4: Remember the Reason for the Season
Yes, the holidays are a wonderful time of the year, but not so much when you’re running around tired and stressed out. Instead of rushing here, there and everywhere, commit to slowing down and intentionally savoring time with the Savior.
Short devotions like those in my Time to Thrive book (affiliate link) will allow you to spend time with the Lord, even when you don’t have a lot of time. In just 15 minutes, you can sit at Jesus’ feet, reconnect with the heart of God, and find the encouragement you need to enjoy the holidays.
The last thing you want is to feel guilty about not spending time with the Lord during a season when you want to share Him with the world. Carve out time for devotions and make it a priority in your day before the busyness of the holidays creep in.
Enjoy the holidays by slowing down and savoring time with the Savior this Christmas. Share on XTip 5: Rest, relax and receive grace
Holidays are called holidays for a reason. Holidays are meant to be a break from your normal routine, a respite of sorts and a time of replenishment. Make time to relax and enjoy the holidays, no matter how short it might be. Give thanks, rest, relax and enjoy it.
And if things don’t go as planned, grace covers it all.
Do your part, make your plans, control what you can, and accept grace for the things you can’t. Breathe easy and let God take care of the rest.
Now, go enjoy the holidays!
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