5 Ways To Lighten Your Holiday Load
The holidays often come with unwanted pressure, stress, obligations eating up your time and that awful busy feeling we all hate. In an effort to go against the grain (as we like to do here), I’ve come up with some tried and true ways that will help lighten your load this holiday season, fill up your bucket and help you focus on what’s most important to you (minus the overwhelm and stress).
1. Unsubscribe From Unwanted Emails
Not where you thought I was going to start, am I right?!
Your inbox is about to be inundated with marketing emails and this is the perfect time to reduce what’s landing in your inbox. Within a few days and into the first week you’ll start noticing far less emails in your inbox to review, and less emails taking up your time.
WHAT TO DO:
put the timer on for 10 minutes
start unsubscribing from emails you no longer want to receive
delete emails you’ve already read + gathered what you needed from it
unsubscribe from stores/blogs/websites you never engaged with this year
2. Do A Quick Seasonal Declutter
I’m not talking about a huge entire home purge here, but editing things in a few key areas will feel like a full home declutter.
This is a great time to assess items that weren’t used, worn, not longer your taste or have expired. The change of seasons almost beckons for this, so let’s lean in! These three categories alone will have a far reaching effect on your day to day routines and how much you’re having to store/manage seasonally.
WHAT TO DO:
declutter seasonal decor as you pull it out to decorate your home (remove anything broken, you’ve fallen out of love it, have recently replaced, etc.).
declutter your cooler weather clothing/outerwear/accessories (if you never wear it, it doesn’t fit or beyond repair, send it on to donate or textile recycling)
declutter your fridge, freezer, pantry + spices (look for items you’re not eating or have expired) - donate anything unopened/not expired to your local food bank - have a list handy for writing down any items that need to be restocked
3. Look For Timer Savers
Many of you expressed to me that part of your biggest frustrations with the holiday season is feeling like you don’t have enough time for everything, therefore looking for ways to streamline your have-to tasks is a must.
Doing a quick time audit (where’s your time going each day) plus looking for ways to save time will help you get back in control of your days so you can enjoy what’s most important to you. Below are just a few examples that can be applied in many different ways.
WHAT TO DO:
write down things that are upcoming that are important to you that you want to make time this for this holiday season to put those into focus
identify things that can be done in advance or in bundled bursts to create more time for those important holiday activities/gatherings - this could be bundling cleaning or laundry tasks, scheduling a grocery order to save time or recruiting others to help with any of these basic but essential tasks
take care of shopping/errands during a low-traffic times on a weekday if you can, handle it all online or place an order for pick up for a convenient time
time saving example: I stock up on a few of my favorite appetizers that I can find in the frozen section for a few holiday occasions that save me lots of time (+ I like to pair with fresh fruits + veggies = is easy + fast)
time saving example: I love making fresh pie crusts but I often don’t have the steam for it so I spent time finding my favorite pre-made frozen brand as a back up that is delicious + preserves my energy for other things - I’ll stock up on several for pies, quiches + more!
4. Look For Things You Can Eliminate
Instead of saying yes to all the things, which we often feel compelled to do, try to looking for things that aren’t “have-tos” to let go of this season.
Saying no to things can be just as or more powerful than saying yes. And ironically, saying no to more things allows you to say yes to things that actually matter. Here’s a few ideas to help you recapture more time, energy + peace this holiday season.
WHAT TO DO:
eliminate any social gatherings that you don’t want to be a part of - no reasons are needed, promise!
eliminate the need to make all the food for an event - ask others to bring things, order food in advance or try a combo of making some + buying some already made to lighten your load
eliminate the pressure to buy new decor, a new outfit, or big gifts - repurpose what you have + gift with heart/intention - the size + cost doesn’t matter
eliminate the need/pressure to buy “things” to give to others - offer up your time, cook a meal, gift an experience, offer to fix something or do housework for someone or make something with your own two hands
eliminate the pressure for family photos, holiday cards, etc. if you’re heart is not in it this year, don’t do it - save your money + energy - take intentional time to connect with those you care about most when you can + call it a day (or year!)
5. Fill Up Your Bucket + Others
Lightening your load is very much intertwined with how you care for yourself + others.
In a season where the feeling of “busy” seems inevitable, let’s slow down + look for ways to do just the opposite. Here’s a few ideas to get you going.
WHAT TO DO:
donate to a favorite charity or new one in your area for a cause you’re wanting to support/impact this season
take some quiet walks to move your body, get some fresh air + clear your mind - or meet up with a friend to walk together
surprise a neighbor with a meal or homemade treats they might not be able to make for themselves
schedule in downtime and quiet alone time to rest your body + mind
take some leisurely power naps + read more
focus on local shops and small businesses for gifting and home good needs
incorporate a free family activity or fun with friends like driving around to see Christmas + holiday lights in your area on Friday nights until New Years
schedule a low key game night with family or friends + maybe throw in some hot chocolate, popcorn or store bought treat/keep it easy!
call, text or write a quick note of encouragement to friend/family member
purchase high priority items from an Amazon wish list for a local non-profit or charity - check their website or send them an email to inquire more
