5 Ways to Eliminate Holiday Stress
Here are the 5 ways that I said BYE to holiday stress so I could actually enjoy the day and not be exhausted by the time I got to dinner!
#1. I COMMITTED TO MARTHA STEWART BEING DISAPPOINTED IN ME
You know what I’m talkin’ about! I swear the first few years I hosted a holiday dinner I was DEAD SET on making everything from scratch and having the perfect looking table with dinnerware that was stylishly mismatched (you know the look). And every year it resulted in me staying up way too late the night before, stressing the morning of and being exhausted by the time I got to the actual dinner. So, I decided that if I was doing something that would make Martha Stewart proud...I was probably spending too much time and money on it. This means allowing guests to bring food (making a google sheet for a sign up is perfect) and releasing my “made from scratch” dreams. If I don’t enjoy doing it, I’m not going to do it.
#2. I PLAN MY MEALS THE WEEK OF AND A FEW DAYS AFTER THE HOLIDAY
You know what happens the week of a holiday? Everything. Everything happens and throws you off your schedule. And then all of a sudden you find yourself eating cheeseburgers, buying dinner and feeling awful by the time you get to the actual holiday. I don’t know about you, but I’m in the business of really enjoying my holiday meals and unless I’m truly sick...I want to be in my best form (Okay...that sounds like I eat plate after plate of food all day. Actually, it’s really about eating the mashed potatoes). I plan my meals the week of a holiday the same as any week WITH an added “what can make this easier” question. Frozen veggies? Done. Crockpot? Done. Throw everything in a bowl meal? I love it. And I don’t stop there. I also plan a few meals after the holiday because for me...I know I won’t want to leave the house the day after. I’m pretty much committed to my pajamas all day post holiday and I want to do everything in my power to make that happen.
#3. I SCHEDULE THE DAY LIKE A STAGE MANAGER
You would think Beyonce was about to make an appearance at my holiday dinners the way I schedule the timing of the food but you know what? When the mimosas kick in...you betta know what is supposed to go into the oven and for how long! I write it out on a piece of paper with a big sharpie and then put it on the oven hood with a magnet. You know what is also great about this? ANYONE who wants to help, can see the schedule and do it for you...if they want. And usually, they want to because guests LOVE to help in the kitchen...so make their dreams come true friend.
#4. I PRE COOK LIKE A MO FO
I used to be terrified to pre-make something because I feared when it was heated it up...it wouldn’t taste the same. But you know what? Leftovers are pretty good and you can always add gravy =). Pre-cooking also helps manage the congestion in the kitchen and eliminates the “oh crap..” moment ON the holiday when you realize you forgot an ingredient (if I had a nickel). I remember the first holiday I didn’t feel exhausted after dinner and I was like, WHAT THE!? Did that just happen (I still went to bed at 8:30pm but that really is normal)??
#5. I PLAN MY WORKOUTS THE WEEK OF AND A FEW DAYS AFTER
I don’t make myself crazy about working out over the holidays, but since it is part of my weekly routine, I like to keep it as much as possible. It helps me stay grounded and calm...two essential ingredients to enjoying the holidays.
What do you do to help relieve stress during the holidays? Tell me in the comments!
