1. Plan for the Holidays
One of the best ways to survive the holiday season is to plan for the holiday season. I try to plan for the holidays each year. It might be a loose plan. I know the holiday season will recur each year so I try to plan for the extra money I know I will need in November and December. I try to figure an amount by looking at last years expenditures. Dividing this amount up and putting some aside each week helps me meet my goal.
Planning my gift list way ahead of time helps lessen the stress of the holiday season. When I see a good deal on a gift I already have a list of who might like that particular gift. Having tried it the other way, where I just wander around a store unsure who I need to buy a gift for, knowing ahead of time is a way better option.
Planning meals for the holiday can decrease stress. If I plan ahead I won’t have any surprises to deal with at the last minute. Luckily our holiday meals are very traditional. The ingredients for many of our home-cooked holiday meals will go on sale in November and December. I just stock up when these items are available at a lower price. My family expects these traditional (and less expensive) recipes year after year. They have no idea that I originally chose the menu in an effort to be frugal years ago.
2. Budget for the Holiday Season
Another way to survive the holiday season is to budget for the holiday season. Have a dollar amount in mind before the holiday season arrives. Many times I will piggyback off of the previous years numbers.
If I budget small amounts every week toward the holiday, it is much easier. Small amounts set aside add up quickly. I need a budget for the holidays because I live in the mid-west and winter brings other extra expenses such as higher heating bills.
It is much easier when I start Christmas shopping in earnest to have all or most of the money already set aside. It helps keep my spending in check and reminds me to make careful well though out choices.
3. Allow Yourself to Say No
Finally, this may be the most important tip to survive the holiday season. Just say no. You heard me. Allow yourself to say no. Holidays can be stress inducing for many reasons. There are often many things competing for your attention around the holidays.
We have holiday parties and get-togethers at work and at home. We have dance recitals and Christmas programs all taking place within the same month. We might have special events we want to attend that are only available during the holiday season. We have extra obligations at church.
We are taught from a young age to say “Yes” to everything and everyone. We all want to please others. Sometimes we just have to prioritize beginning with the most important. The items that are deemed least important may or may not get completed.
Decide what the season means to you. For us we try to make time for our family. We focus on quality time with those we love. Sometimes I am reminded that I need to focus on this more all year around instead of just near the holidays.
Most importantly you want to enjoy the season and not feel stressed. These are the 3 of the best ways I have found to survive the holiday season. Most people probably have a few tried and true tips they use to cut down on the stress that is commonplace during the holidays. Please share any tips or ideas you have found are helpful.
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