PREPARING FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON DOES NOT HAVE TO BE STRESSFUL

I absolutely love the holiday season, but I see so many women overwhelmed during this special time. The stress of holidays can take over and take out all the fun from this season. Over the years, I’ve learned that starting early and creating a cozy, festive atmosphere helps me enjoy the season without the rush. 

Making lists to keep the holiday calm 

I usually start my holiday preparations long before December arrives. It all starts with making lists, just to gather my thoughts and stay calm. My Christmas list usually includes everything from family traditions, upcoming work events, new recipes I want to try, parties I plan to host or attend, etc. It’s so important to plan ahead during the busiest time of year, and it helps me stay on track. I also make a list of outfits I’d like to wear, as I love to add a festive touch to my wardrobe for those special gatherings and events. 

Gift-giving is something I look forward to 

I like to start preparing present lists already in the summer, because I don't like to run around the shops at the last minute. I prefer meaningful gifts - for example, one year I was looking long and hard for this special edition Home Alone Lego house set for my husband, which I knew he would absolutely enjoy. The following year, he received a model train set, which had been his dream since childhood – these are 2 gifts he always brings out on Christmas to enjoy with our kids. Gift-giving is something I look forward to every year and the way I approach it is I think of the person receiving the gift and how it would make them feel. I also consider if I have the time for any special handmade presents for example baking something tasty. A thoughtful, handmade gift is much more meaningful. 

Holiday traditions make this time truly special 

Bringing the festive spirit into my home early, brings me joy and helps reduce the stress of cramping all the activities into the week before christmas. I start by early christmas baking, which also helps spead out the workload. Making our own gingerbread dough has been a tradition in our family for years. We make gingerbread cookies together with the kids and sometimes even a gingerbread house! They love decorating the cookies and of course eating them later! Listening to Christmas songs and going to the Christmas market is also one of my traditions. Christmas time gives us the opportunity to do things, we only do once in a year and this makes it special. 

Decorating brings the real festive spirit 

Decorating my home is a guaranteed way for me to get into the Christmas spirit. I start by bringing out the Christmas decor early to check if everything is in good shape or if something needs replacing. It’s also an option to make some handmade decorations, if I have the time. A few years ago, I made personalized, hand-embroidered stockings for my family, and they’ve become a cherished part of our holiday. In my dreams one day my kids will look at their stockings and think back fondly on their magical childhood. I actually have a little behind-the-scenes look at how they’re made! If you’re curious, check it out here. Making the decorations could also be a simple family activity like cutting out paper snowflakes! 

 Planning our holiday menu in advance 

When it comes to holiday meals, I like to plan ahead. Some ingredients can sell out fast during the festive season, so I prefer to order all my groceries online to save time and ensure I have everything I need. One of my favorite parts of preparing the holiday menu is the chance to try a new recipe or bring back family favorites. And if we’re hosting our families, I’ll divide the menu between our family members and ask them to bring a dish to share. This makes hosting less stressful and it’s always fun to try each others dishes. 

Dressing up for the occasion is as important as the holiday itself 

Dressing up for the holiday always transports me into a festive mood, so I take the time to dress up even if it’s just me, my husband, and our kids. I plan my outfits ahead – first I think of how many occasions and events I have for this Christmas and how many outfits I need. Then I choose the outfits and check if they’re in good condition. If needed, I take them to the dry cleaners to make sure they are ready on time. I highly recommend planning outfits ahead - this way, you’ll still have time to get something new if necessary. 

Simple ways to stay active during Christmas is with fun winter activities 

The holidays can be a time when we all gather around the table and enjoy lots of good food, so staying active is important to me. One of our favorite family activities is ice skating, and we go multiple times during the season. I love being outdoors with the kids, whether we’re exploring on a walk or going sledging. Last winter, the kids started learning to ski, and I’m hoping we can add it to our holiday traditions this year. One winter, grandpa even built a little tree hut from fallen branches where we had a cozy picnic—you can see a peek of it here. Another favorite tradition of ours is picking the Christmas tree from a small forest on our future home property, a magical experience we love sharing each year—here’s a glimpse of it. All these outdoor moments bring us so much joy during the holidays and keep us healthy and happy!

Ultimately, my goal is to truly enjoy this special time, focusing on the joy and togetherness it brings. The season passes so quickly, and it’s easy to get caught up in the rush, but I make a point to slow down, be present, and soak it all in. Wishing you a wonderful, stress-free prepping!