Please enjoy the following guest post with some advice on how to prepare for the holidays with less stress.
Christopher Haymon has learned the value of saving and budgeting the hard way. He created Adulting Digest to help others who need help navigating the world of adult finances.
In the best of times, prepping for the holidays can be stressful and overwhelming. And though gatherings might be looking a bit different this season, undertones of panic likely remain, running through your preparations. Whether you’re downsizing your holiday celebration or are changing things up entirely, consider these tips to remain mindful and family-focused this season, presented to you below by Love After Kids.
Have your home ready
Stocking up on toilet paper and hand sanitizer might sound like a good idea right about now, especially if you’ll be hosting a small gathering in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines. But think about other ways to prepare your home that don’t require impulse buying or scrubbing at stains for hours.
Also, take a moment to address any small problems around the house that could derail your fun. If that toilet in the guest bathroom simply won’t stop running, for example, look up “best plumber near me” online. Make sure you carefully read customer reviews to ensure you’re getting top-shelf service. The point, of course, is to address the smaller issues before the holidays are in full swing so those little problems don’t become huge pains.
Also, take a moment to address any small problems around the house that could derail your fun. If that toilet in the guest bathroom simply won’t stop running, for example, look up “best plumber near me” online. Make sure you carefully read customer reviews to ensure you’re getting top-shelf service. The point, of course, is to address the smaller issues before the holidays are in full swing so those little problems don’t become huge pains.
Stop stressing over gifts
Selecting the perfect gift for loved ones used to involve a few trips to the mall, a stop at a specialty store, and perusing the discount aisle the day before Christmas. But this year, parents (and extended family) need to plan ahead for holiday present prep. Ordering online is a must-do (2/3 of shoppers plan to do so) and if you plan ahead, you can secure the items you want at a price that doesn’t break your budget.
The first step is researching the hottest holiday toys for every little boy and girl on your list. Check prices before you shop — if you must head out to snag a deal, make sure it’s worth the time and effort.
If online shopping won’t cut it or you won’t be seeing loved ones in person, a gift card can go a long way, particularly if it’s digital. Plan ahead and grab a few gift cards to various stores or websites so you’re prepared if an extra person makes an appearance (virtual or otherwise) during the festivities.
The first step is researching the hottest holiday toys for every little boy and girl on your list. Check prices before you shop — if you must head out to snag a deal, make sure it’s worth the time and effort.
If online shopping won’t cut it or you won’t be seeing loved ones in person, a gift card can go a long way, particularly if it’s digital. Plan ahead and grab a few gift cards to various stores or websites so you’re prepared if an extra person makes an appearance (virtual or otherwise) during the festivities.
Get out of the kitchen (or bring the family in)
If you’re hosting a gathering, spending most of your day in the kitchen doesn’t leave much time for socializing. Even if it’s only you and your immediate family members, going it solo with meal prep is no fun — and it can take hours to prep a turkey, not to mention all the fixings.
You can streamline meal prep and even encourage others to participate by making things simpler. Think about buying a quality can opener and healthy canned foods to pop open for side dishes to your main course. Even a manual can opener can make opening food easier, and extra features come in handy when you’re struggling to plate a meal fast.
But beyond equipment and grocery shopping, inviting your family to help prep is another way to make mealtime engaging and rewarding. Making cookies with young children (or even adult ones), cooking a favorite family recipe for an appetizer, or trying something totally different (like Chinese food or even BBQ) can turn the traditional holiday dinner on its head.
You can streamline meal prep and even encourage others to participate by making things simpler. Think about buying a quality can opener and healthy canned foods to pop open for side dishes to your main course. Even a manual can opener can make opening food easier, and extra features come in handy when you’re struggling to plate a meal fast.
But beyond equipment and grocery shopping, inviting your family to help prep is another way to make mealtime engaging and rewarding. Making cookies with young children (or even adult ones), cooking a favorite family recipe for an appetizer, or trying something totally different (like Chinese food or even BBQ) can turn the traditional holiday dinner on its head.
Dial-in your tech in advance
Mid-holiday gathering is not the time to have your microphone malfunction or your internet connection drop out. Give your technology a test run in advance of your family Zoom visit to make sure everything works properly; if your old wired speaker is giving you trouble, invest a little money in a Bluetooth option that won’t be physically tethered to your computer or device.
Depending on the size of the group that’s gathering, you might plan an online itinerary ahead of time. You can play games together online (charades can be fun over video chat), share family stories, or do the same craft at the same time.
Whatever activities you decide to enjoy for your family’s holiday event, connection and caring should be your priority. Whether that means a video chat with each far-flung family member or an in-person gathering following a super-cautious quarantine period, you can make it work for you and your loved ones — maybe with even less stress than last year.
Depending on the size of the group that’s gathering, you might plan an online itinerary ahead of time. You can play games together online (charades can be fun over video chat), share family stories, or do the same craft at the same time.
Whatever activities you decide to enjoy for your family’s holiday event, connection and caring should be your priority. Whether that means a video chat with each far-flung family member or an in-person gathering following a super-cautious quarantine period, you can make it work for you and your loved ones — maybe with even less stress than last year.
If you haven’t already read the book, it’s a great place to start - Relationship Reboot: Break free from the bad habits in your relationship.
David B. Younger, Ph.D. is the creator of Love After Kids, for couples that have grown apart since having children. He is a clinical psychologist and couples therapist with a web-based private practice and lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, 16-year-old son, 7-year-old daughter and 9-year-old toy poodle.
David B. Younger, Ph.D. is the creator of Love After Kids, for couples that have grown apart since having children. He is a clinical psychologist and couples therapist with a web-based private practice and lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, 16-year-old son, 7-year-old daughter and 9-year-old toy poodle.
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