Things to be Mindful of as You Prepare for the Holiday Season

With Christmas and New Year celebrations just around the corner, many people get anxious. You think about what to do, what presents to buy, where to go, how to make the season remarkable, and lots more.

It's been a long year, and there's every reason to be grateful, put on your dancing shoes, and rock the holidays. You've earned it. But it would help if you didn't subject yourself to too much stress while at it. That would defeat the purpose of the season. 

You can prepare for Christmas at ease if you have a plan. To do that, here are things to be mindful of.

1. Decluttering is enough to spruce up your home

You're probably thinking about all the nice things to buy to decorate your home. But chances are you may not need to get so much; instead, you probably need to take some things out.

Look around your interior and exterior. What feels out of place? What do you think is killing the beauty?

Remove the junk. Take out old, damaged appliances, photos. Create space for things. Stack up your books and linen properly. A clean environment equals a clean mind.

When you're done, you'll realize how at ease your mind gets. You'd realize simple fairy lights, a Christmas tree, and a change of curtains are probably all you need to buy.

2. Set a budget

If there's ever a time budgeting is indispensable, that time is now. Holiday parties, Christmas gifts, and travel plans can make you spend your last cent before you realize you're down. Create a budget according to what you can afford, and spend accordingly.

In the end, Christmas will come and go, but your financial problems will remain for you to face. You don't want a heavy credit card statement to be the first thing you face come January.

3. Get some me-time

While you may long to spend time with family and friends this season, it’s also a time for self-care.

You've probably been busy all year going here and there to make ends meet. Perhaps you hardly found time for a spa, not to talk of an hour in the bathtub with a glass of wine in hand.

The holidays present an opportunity to have time for yourself to recharge and refocus your energy. Me-time is so important for your mental health. You're not doing anyone any good if you don't first love yourself.

4. Buy wears that suit your style

Okay, let's be realistic; you can't prepare for Christmas without stocking up your wardrobe.

But should you go for just any designers to look posh even when it doesn't suit you or your style? If you're someone who works their butt off all year, getting lifestyle apparel that vibrates that energy will be a great wardrobe idea this Christmas. It's a cold season, so go on and get sweatshirts and hoodies that make you look badass confident.

Get nice jeans and sneakers too. If you plan to attend special Christmas dinners and events, get appropriate clothing that works.

With these, you're all set to go wherever you have to be this season.

5. Get a to-do list

A to-do list will help you stay organized and less stressed. That's because you will always know what you have next on your plate. You know all you have to do each day each hour, so there's less uncertainty that leads to anxiety. Without a to-do list, you might feel overwhelmed because, honestly, there's so much to do.

Your travel plans, gift shopping, and holiday events should be on your to-do list so that you're always on track.

6. Avoid feeling obligated

Do you feel pressured or obligated to buy nice presents for your partner as well as your little nephews and nieces? If you're stressing about it, please stop. The people who really care about you won't stop caring when you can't afford an expensive monetary gift.

A simple, heartfelt greeting card will do. Just being there and expressing how much that friend or family member means to you is more precious than any gift.

And you know, love is the reason for the season. So it should be about expressing love rather than the monetary value of gifts.

7. Plan early--don't wait till the eleventh hour

If you have trips to make, start booking them now. If you wait until Christmas eve, the pressure can make you go berserk; you wouldn't even know what to do anymore. And you may end up not doing all you should have done.

Don't wait till the last minute to avoid over-stressing yourself. Get your to-do list and budget NOW!

8. Be mindful of what you consume

While Christmas and New-year are a time to celebrate, avoid indulging in excessive drinking. But that's not even all. If you've spent days working out and burning fat, then you don't want to nullify your effort by filling your system back with calories.

It doesn't mean you shouldn't allow yourself to enjoy those nice things at holiday parties. It's more about cutting how much you consume. You can stay away from alcohol throughout the week so you can have enough of it during the weekend. That's better than having it every day throughout the yuletide.

Many people feel guilty in January because of how many calories they've consumed in December. Don't be one.

9. With hold from spending when you can

There's a difference between your needs and wants during Christmas. You feel a need to beautify your home by repainting, buying home décor accessories, traveling, and buying expensive clothes. They're great ideas, but they're just desires. If you can't get those things, no one gets hurt.

Better still, look for cheaper ways to achieve those things. There are beautiful quality clothes you can get at thrift stores. You can even rent a holiday dress instead of buying one, because, let's be honest, you may only need to wear it once. You can also spruce up your home on a budget.

You've got every reason to celebrate the season and make it remarkable. Being alive, having loved ones who care, and knowing you've achieved some things this year are just a few. But while at it, you should be careful so you don't create more problems and stress for yourself. Take it easy and remember it's the little things that really count.

Cover Photo Credit: www.pinterest.com

THIS IS A COLLABORATIVE POST. I’M SO GRATEFUL FOR EVERYONE WHO CONTRIBUTES TO GLITZ AND GLAM BY TIFF.

Additional Resources:

How to Style a Small Space - sleepopolis.com/education/small-bedroom-styling-guide/

7 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Having Plants at Home -
https://www.ecowatch.com/health-benefits-of-having-plants-at-home-2608386260.html