With the holidays just around the corner, each of us has a huge to-do list. Here are a few tips on how we all can have a stress-free December and enjoy every minute of the holiday season.
1. Buy decorations beforehand and don't spend too much money on it
I, personally, purchase all decor at Dollar-store. None of my friends ever thought that I was buying items there because it doesn't look cheap at all. Everybody would always wonder where I got a specific piece of furnishing as it looked beautiful.
2. Get your Christmas tree early
IKEA has inexpensive real trees if you wish to experience the full holiday spirit. The store also offers an amazing deal - starting November 24th if you buy a real fir tree for $20, you will get a coupon for $20 off any purchase of $75 or more. Moreover, the company will donate a portion of all tree sales to Tree Canada. So you are not just getting a tree, you are also contributing to the planet!
3. Be more thoughtful and creative about gifts
It is always easy to purchase a gift card, but it takes much more work to actually find out what a person really dreams about. You may consider buying something that provides an emotional experience: a ticket to Cirque du Soleil show, culinary classes, ballet tickets, and etc - anything that will stay in someone’s memory for many years. Once they are old, they will tell their grandchildren (maybe even gran-grandchildren) stories about amazing times they had.
4. Check holiday recipes in advance and don't be hesitant to improvise
Once you have an idea of what you are going to cook, it will be easier to create a shopping list so you won't spend more money than you should. Those lists are extremely helpful and can save your time as well. You may also want to check some cooking classes (online or in-person) in order to challenge yourself to try new dishes. If you choose to have in-person classes, you may meet new people and make great friends! Groupon and LivingSocial websites are great for finding awesome deals and saving money.
5. Christmas markets
Visiting Christmas markets can cheer up your mood, give you an opportunity to shop at local vendors and find impressive presents. Try out chocolate with bacon, sip your gluhwein and wake up your inner kid at the carousel ride!
6. Time to be spiritual
December is a perfect time to reflect on the passing year and set goals for a new one. Sit down and write things you are grateful for, the highlights of 2017, your achievements, and lessons you have learned. Also, think about what you want to get in 2018 and how you see your life there. Be bold. Be creative. Don't limit yourself to your intentions.
7. Clean your house and get ready to decorate it
Cleaning not just refreshes the air but also organizes your thoughts. It's always better to live and work in a clean house for your health and safety. If you are planning on having guests for a few days, make sure they have a place to sleep (air mattress, sofa, sleeping bag), enough blankets and linens, and board games to play:) My top pick is "Exploding Kittens" - it's a fun card game for individuals who are into kittens and explosions. If you serve a holiday meal, buy extra tableware if needed. Furthermore, don't forget to put your favorite Christmas songs on while you are shining your place so you can dance along!
8. Christmas movies
What a Christmas without favorite movies! "Home Alone" is the absolute best and I will never get tired of it. Who else is team Macaulay Culkin?
You can also watch:
- "The Night Before Christmas"
- "Elf"
- "The Polar Express"
- "A Christmas Carol"
- "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
9. Sending Christmas Postcards
If you wish to save money, send e-cards via email. Allow yourself enough time (2-3 weeks) to purchase and mail the cards. Support local charities by getting greeting cards from them (at UNICEF, for example).
10. Planning a perfect Christmasy getaway
You don't have to go far from your home in order to enjoy the holidays. A few years in a row my friends and I would go to Osoyoos (4-5 hours drive from Vancouver). We would hike, dance around fir trees in the forest, relax in a Jacuzzi in our hotel, and visit wine tasting events. We would also play board games endlessly and laugh non-stop because that's what you do when you are in a Christmas mood!:)
Happy and Balanced Holiday Season!
* Photography by Haute Stock
Still feeling stressed? Check out this blog post on how to relieve stress and reduce anxiety.