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My Slightly Chaotic Life

Balancing Life, Children and Chaos

Holiday Ideas

Avoid the Holiday Stress with these Tips

November 27, 2019 Comments : 16

The holidays are coming up on us fast (tomorrow is Thanksgiving!) which means so does the stress that comes along with it. Family, gatherings, last minute shopping trips and cooking can make your stress level this holiday season go on full blast. I have found that in years past I become so overwhelmed by the stress that comes along with the holidays that I am not able to enjoy it fully. So this year, I plan to limit my holiday stress with these 5 tips.

If your looking for way to get in the holiday spirit check those out HERE.

Tips to avoid the holiday stress this year. Number 2 will change your life! | Holidays | Christmas | Christmas Time |

Holiday Stress Tip 1: Set a Budget

Set a budget and most importantly stick with it. Overspending can lead to increased stress especially around the holidays. Learn to follow a strict budget when it comes to gift shopping so not to overspend. This stress can last you well into the New Year when you are trying to pay off the debts you created or the bills you didn’t pay in an attempt to purchase the perfect Christmas gift.

Another way to reduce stress around spending is to make a list of exactly what you are going to buy for who and where you are going to buy it from. This helps keep you on track. Remember, you don’t need to spend a ton of money on your family and friends to make it a Merry Christmas.

Holiday Stress Tip 2: Say No

You do not need to say yes to every holiday party, gathering or gift exchange. Say no to hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve dinner if you really don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Or better yet, if you are hosting, ask for help. Ask others to bring a side dish or wine to help you out a little bit to avoid feeling stressed.

Say no to the gatherings and parties as well. If it is going to make you feel overwhelmed just say no and move on.

Holiday Stress Tip 3: Decorate your Way

I can guarantee you that my tree or home decor will not be picture perfect as seen in all the photos on Pinterest or Instagram. Our Christmas tree is a mash up of ornaments that have been purchased and made by the children throughout the years. Nothing matches and I don’t really care. I am not going to stress about perfecting and matching all of my decor and instead focus on enjoying the lights, decorations and spirit while I still can.

Tips to avoid the holiday stress this year. Number 2 will change your life! | Holidays | Christmas | Christmas Time |

Holiday Stress Tip 4: Wrap early

Or not at all. Gift bags are a perfectly acceptable way to wrap gifts as is just sticking a bow on it. I tend to put off all of my wrapping till the last minute and try to make my gifts look like something that came out of a Good Housekeeping or Oprah magazine spread and then go into full crazy mode Christmas Eve to get it all done. It’s stressful and I promise myself to start earlier even year in order to avoid the stress involved with wrapping and putting all the gifts together.

Another thing that I am slowly learning to do is to start shopping early to avoid the last minute rush of trying to buy gifts.

Holiday Stress Tip 5: Let Things Go

Around this time I become a big ball of anxiety about finding the perfect gift, moving the damn elf, baking the perfect dish and making sure that my family creates memories that will last a lifetime. These things don’t always happen and instead of fretting over them I have learned to let those things go. Things are not always going to go my way and the holidays probably won’t be perfect. So instead of stressing, just go with it, let the things you can’t control go and eat, drink and be merry!

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Previous:
How to Get in The Christmas Spirit
Next:
Things to be Thankful for this Year

Comments

  1. HollsyHome says

    December 2, 2019 at 1:09 pm

    The holidays are stressful. I think that you have some great ideas to help us cope. Thanks!

    Reply
  2. Patty says

    December 2, 2019 at 5:36 pm

    Say No! I need to work on that! I know that it is something I need to do, but for some reason my schedule is always booked with things to do!

    Reply
  3. D’ondra Howard says

    December 2, 2019 at 5:57 pm

    These are great tips. I for one will be using them this season.

    Reply
  4. Carriann says

    December 2, 2019 at 7:36 pm

    Great ways to help with holiday stress!!

    Reply
  5. Ashli Ferguson says

    December 2, 2019 at 8:06 pm

    Great tips!! The holidays are so stressful you must find ways to destress for sure!

    Reply
  6. Sue Denym says

    December 2, 2019 at 8:25 pm

    Great tips. The holidays are so stressful!

    Reply
  7. The Crumby Vegan says

    December 4, 2019 at 6:58 am

    This is all great advice. One of the biggest stresses I have over the holidays is money. So this year, my family and I are donating to a charity for one another, then there is no amount and people donate what they can afford. It’s more about the thought 💚

    Reply
  8. Joanna says

    December 4, 2019 at 7:05 am

    Setting a budget is a very important piece of advice when it comes to the winter holidays. we very often get carried away with shopping and spend too much that we can afford.

    Reply
  9. Cyndi Buchanan says

    December 4, 2019 at 11:16 am

    I’m trying to get things done early and say no to extra things. It’s so hard to juggle everything this time of year.

    Reply
  10. Katy says

    December 4, 2019 at 4:57 pm

    You are totally right… holiday season can be hella stressful!

    Reply
  11. Neil Alvin says

    December 4, 2019 at 7:41 pm

    Great tips. I’m happy to see this one as I’m slowly feeling the stress.

    Reply
  12. siennylovesdrawing says

    December 6, 2019 at 7:14 am

    enjoyed my read here & appreciate your tips sharing, holidays supposed to be rest & relax, not to be stressed out. cheers, siennylovesdrawing

    Reply
  13. Quin Cl says

    December 7, 2019 at 3:32 pm

    Yes, I agree, holidays and preparing for them can be so stressful. Thank you for sharing these helpful tips.:)

    Reply
  14. Christopher Mitchell says

    December 9, 2019 at 10:13 pm

    I think then big thing here is decorating your way and not worrying about what other people may or may not feel about it!

    Reply
  15. TonyMahony says

    January 3, 2020 at 3:53 am

    By examining your budget, and following the guidelines of what’s most important to your family, you can choose the things that will make the biggest impact.

    Reply
  16. Adventures with Shelby says

    January 15, 2020 at 11:20 pm

    Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Danielle. I'm a mom, girlfriend and ED nurse. I love sharing my honest take on all things mom as well as life!

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This year @bondiboost turns 3 and they are gifting you 30% off their entire site! That means 30% off anything site wide with the code BBTurns3 so make sure to stock up on all your fave Bondiboost products or give them a try now with this amazing savings! 
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Read that again. 
No matter how crappy you think your day is going to be; wake up and set you mind to a more positive way of thinking. 
I can’t tell you how many times this thought process has gotten me through rough days at work, with the kids or even when I’m just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. 

Tell me how do you create a beautiful mindset? 
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AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these d AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these days. As a busy mom it’s so important that I keep a healthy immune system because moms don’t get days off! 

Bonus: supporting my gut health as well with products that contain @epicorimmune. It’s a POSTbiotic. Haven’t heard of that before? So, PRObiotics in your gut eat fibers (PREbiotics) in order to make beneficial metabolites. Well, POSTbiotics contain those metabolites and delivers them directly to your gut. 

Currently using @countrylifevitamins Gut Connection ImmuneBalance™ powered by @epicorimmune. You can find @countrylifevitamins online at the link in my bio. 

How are you balancing your mind and body these days?

#livemorehealthydays #EpiCorImmune 
#EpiCor 
#healthylivingtips

https://lnk2.io/wLKXFhK
Rainy day here today but this little corner of Ave Rainy day here today but this little corner of Avery’s bedroom looks so cozy. 

I’m so thankful to have passed on my love for reading to both my children and here are some of Avery’s favorite books on display. Beekle, Raz & Benz and Strictly no Elephants are Avery’s favs and we read them on repeat every night. I’ll link the books in my stories. 

What books do your kids love?
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Getting photos with the kids is hard and the majority of the time I’m doing it by myself. 
I rely on my camera, tripod and timer to snap these shots and anyone who knows this method can relate to it taking many shots to get something resembling what your initial idea was. 
Pretty happy to have finally caught this one and not ashamed to admit there was some bribery involved.

Share your tips with getting photos with your kids in the comments! 
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In fact: you can create a fun Easter basket for your kiddos that is inexpensive (and last minute if that’s your thing). 
Things I grabbed for Avery’s basket this year:
1. Chalk (Target dollar spot)
2. Sunglasses 
3. Water bottle 
4. Bubble wands
5. Socks (because what kid doesn’t love socks)
6. Plastic eggs with candy and coins 
7. Chocolate bunny 
8. Spring outfit 

For inspo on older kid’s Easter Basket ideas, make sure to check out my latest blog post (link in bio). 

That’s it! Quick, easy and the total cost was minimal. 
Bunny pictured from last year because my child does not need anymore stuffed animals.

What fun things do you do for Easter?
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#toddlerhood 
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3 years ago, this little one came into this world 3 years ago, this little one came into this world in a whirlwind and has kept us guessing and on our toes ever since. 
She loves reading, hiking, riding her bike, jumping on and off a thing, playing with her siblings and friends and Paw Patrol. 
Happy birthday Avery; life is that much better and just a little crazier with you around and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 
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Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one i Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one is nothing but pure joy with a little bit of caffeine thrown in to help keep me fueled. 

It is also the perfect time to pair your favorite @dunkin beverage with a snack. With options from Avocado Toast (my favorite), to a Grilled Cheese or Stuffed Croissant (Hayden’s favorite) or even a chocolate glazed donut (Avery’s favorite), there is something for everyone. And until April 27th, you can snag any size Cold Brew for just $3 with your Perks membership in Maine and Vermont. So, make sure to sign up today!!
So a big @dunkin cheers to warmer days, brighter flowers and spending more time outside with a coffee in one hand and a snack in the other. 

What are you looking forward to most about springtime?
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Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bon Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bondiboost which is giving my hair the boost it needs to grow long and thick! Seriously their hair growth line is exactly what your hair needs if your looking to grow those locks out! 

This year @bondiboost turns 3 and they are gifting you 30% off their entire site! That means 30% off anything site wide with the code BBTurns3 so make sure to stock up on all your fave Bondiboost products or give them a try now with this amazing savings! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#bondiboostpartner 
#boostyourroots 
#bondiboostus 
#haircaretips 
#momhair
“A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset “A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset” - unknown 
Read that again. 
No matter how crappy you think your day is going to be; wake up and set you mind to a more positive way of thinking. 
I can’t tell you how many times this thought process has gotten me through rough days at work, with the kids or even when I’m just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. 

Tell me how do you create a beautiful mindset? 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#positivewords 
#motivationalquotesdaily 
#lifewithkids
AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these d AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these days. As a busy mom it’s so important that I keep a healthy immune system because moms don’t get days off! 

Bonus: supporting my gut health as well with products that contain @epicorimmune. It’s a POSTbiotic. Haven’t heard of that before? So, PRObiotics in your gut eat fibers (PREbiotics) in order to make beneficial metabolites. Well, POSTbiotics contain those metabolites and delivers them directly to your gut. 

Currently using @countrylifevitamins Gut Connection ImmuneBalance™ powered by @epicorimmune. You can find @countrylifevitamins online at the link in my bio. 

How are you balancing your mind and body these days?

#livemorehealthydays #EpiCorImmune 
#EpiCor 
#healthylivingtips

https://lnk2.io/wLKXFhK
Rainy day here today but this little corner of Ave Rainy day here today but this little corner of Avery’s bedroom looks so cozy. 

I’m so thankful to have passed on my love for reading to both my children and here are some of Avery’s favorite books on display. Beekle, Raz & Benz and Strictly no Elephants are Avery’s favs and we read them on repeat every night. I’ll link the books in my stories. 

What books do your kids love?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lifewithatoddler 
#toddlermomlife 
#momlife 
#motherhoodalive 
#motherhoodlife
I couldn’t go another day without having this sw I couldn’t go another day without having this sweet photo of both my kids and myself on my feed. 

Getting photos with the kids is hard and the majority of the time I’m doing it by myself. 
I rely on my camera, tripod and timer to snap these shots and anyone who knows this method can relate to it taking many shots to get something resembling what your initial idea was. 
Pretty happy to have finally caught this one and not ashamed to admit there was some bribery involved.

Share your tips with getting photos with your kids in the comments! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mommyandme
#momswithcameras 
#momswithstyle 
#honestmommin 
#lifewithlittles
Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want to create something (most likely last minute) that your kids will love but doesn’t cost a fortune. Well I am here to say Easter basket’s don’t have to be expensive! 

In fact: you can create a fun Easter basket for your kiddos that is inexpensive (and last minute if that’s your thing). 
Things I grabbed for Avery’s basket this year:
1. Chalk (Target dollar spot)
2. Sunglasses 
3. Water bottle 
4. Bubble wands
5. Socks (because what kid doesn’t love socks)
6. Plastic eggs with candy and coins 
7. Chocolate bunny 
8. Spring outfit 

For inspo on older kid’s Easter Basket ideas, make sure to check out my latest blog post (link in bio). 

That’s it! Quick, easy and the total cost was minimal. 
Bunny pictured from last year because my child does not need anymore stuffed animals.

What fun things do you do for Easter?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#easterbasket 
#easterbasketideas 
#toddlerhood 
#easterbaskets 
#busymomlife
3 years ago, this little one came into this world 3 years ago, this little one came into this world in a whirlwind and has kept us guessing and on our toes ever since. 
She loves reading, hiking, riding her bike, jumping on and off a thing, playing with her siblings and friends and Paw Patrol. 
Happy birthday Avery; life is that much better and just a little crazier with you around and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#birthdayvibes 
#toddlermom 
#toddlerstyle 
#threeyearsold 
#mylittleloves
Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one i Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one is nothing but pure joy with a little bit of caffeine thrown in to help keep me fueled. 

It is also the perfect time to pair your favorite @dunkin beverage with a snack. With options from Avocado Toast (my favorite), to a Grilled Cheese or Stuffed Croissant (Hayden’s favorite) or even a chocolate glazed donut (Avery’s favorite), there is something for everyone. And until April 27th, you can snag any size Cold Brew for just $3 with your Perks membership in Maine and Vermont. So, make sure to sign up today!!
So a big @dunkin cheers to warmer days, brighter flowers and spending more time outside with a coffee in one hand and a snack in the other. 

What are you looking forward to most about springtime?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dunkinmaine 
#dunkinpartner 
#dunkin 
#mainemom 
#newengland_igers
Follow Me on Instagram
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