Shopping for the perfect gift, in-laws coming for an extended visit, hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your house, wrapping gifts (and finding the perfect hiding spot), fighting for parking spots, long (LONG!) check out lines…
Let’s face it. The holidays are not always “merry and bright”. Sometimes they can be downright stressing and sometimes, dare I say, not fun.
I used to totally stress out during the holidays to the point where I couldn’t wait for them to be over with. That is not right. I made the decision a long time ago to “de-stress” the holidays so that I can enjoy them and not dread them.
It’s easy to get a stress headache during the holidays. For those who suffer from migraines like my husband, even the sights, sounds, smells, food and beverages can trigger a migraine. I know that I can no longer burn my favorite holiday candles when my husband is around because certain ones trigger migraines (I also have to limit burning them due to an asthmatic cat).
Dr. Keri Peterson, M.D., who also suffers from migraines, has some helpful tips to help you or your loved one to reduce the incidents of migraines during the holiday season.
Stick to your regular routine. Eating, sleeping and exercising as you do the rest of the year can help reduce the chances of getting a migraine. *
Manage your time and plan ahead. Coordinate plans and responsibilities in advance with relatives and friends, compose set menus when hosting a party and try to purchase gifts early so you’re not rushing at the last minute*
Stay in ventilated spaces. As you browse through the mall, watch out for those scented candles or perfume if you are sensitive to smells**
Eat and drink in moderation. Eat, drink, and be merry, but try not to consume sweets or alcoholic beverages in excess, as they could trigger migraines**
*Source Cleveland Clinic, ** Source Headaches.org.
I would like to add in my own personal tips too.
Focus on the REAL reason for the season (I’m not just speaking about religious reasons). The holidays are about enjoying company with family and friends. You don’t have to stress over a fancy dinner party to enjoy time with loved ones. Casual get togethers are just as nice and less stressful to organize. In fact you could organize a “pot luck” and have guests bring a dish (or BYOB). Guests probably won’t remember the meal you spent hours preparing as much as they will laughing, enjoying each others company and making memories. Swap out the gourmet roast and fancy china for some pizza and a game of charades instead. You’ll have fun and won’t be stressed out.
Shop for gifts throughout the year. If you happen across something you know someone will love during the year purchase it and set it aside some place safe. That way come the holiday season all your shopping is done (or close to it).
Use a free service like pickURgift to eliminate the stress and guess work out of finding the perfect gift. PickURgift let’s you “bookmark” gifts online. You can organize your finds by person and then e-mail the list to them. The recipient can pick out what gifts they would like most and send the list back to you. You’ll then know exactly what gifts he/she would love the most so there is no more waiting online and wasting $$$ on a gift they won’t want or need. Plus you don’t have to get frazzled wondering if you picked the perfect gift or not.
Shop online whenever possible. During the holidays you can usually find free shipping deals. Why go crazy finding a parking spot and then waiting online forever when you can purchase the same gift online for the same price? If you prefer to shop in person you can always make note of the product and store you found it in and then order it online when you get home and avoid the long lines.
Purchasing pre-made goods is acceptable. There is no need to be baking up a storm until 3 AM when you can pre-order baked goods from a local bakery or from a local store. It might cost a wee bit more (sometimes it’s cheaper!) but the time it saves you makes it worthwhile.
Don’t forget to have fun! Stop and take a breather from all the hustle and bustle of the season. A fun suggestion would be to gather up family and friends and host an informal “Family Movie Night” and show holiday movies and enjoy some popcorn.
Volunteering your time or donating new toys or food can also help make your holidays merrier. It will make your “heart smile” and in turn make you keep focus on what the season is all about. It’s about the little things and good will towards all – not the hustle and bustle people turn it into.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to give someone a tangible gift for Christmas either. A gift of “time” is just as good – if not better. Instead of buying your father another tie or bottle of cologne that he doesn’t truly need (or want – but he doesn’t have the heart to tell you that), why not plan a special “lunch date” instead and treat him out to lunch. The quality time you spend together out shines any perfectly wrapped package.
New parents might appreciate the gift of “free babysitting” and your mom might enjoy having her car cleaned by hand. My kids used to make up “coupons” as gifts redeemable for not having to wash the dinner dishes, not having to take out the garbage and so forth. It might seem like a childish idea, but I think adults can appreciate it too.
I think the Grinch from How the Grinch Stole Christmas sums it up the best.
“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
One more tip – when traveling make sure to carry Excedrin® Migraine in your bag just in case a migraine strikes. You wouldn’t want to be down and out with a migraine and unable to enjoy the festivities.
Excedrin Migraine is hosting a sweepstake called “Take a Holiday from Headaches”. From now until January 1, 2014 visit the Excedrin Facebook page where you’ll be eligible for a chance to win daily prizes including gift cards to popular retailers and one lucky grand prize of $25,000 to help with shopping, travel and other holiday expenses – all of which can give anyone a headache.
For official rules please visit http://on.fb.me/1b2G7OB.
To help make your holiday a little merrier, Excedrin would like me to give TWO (2) lucky readers a $100 American Express gift card (one gift card per winner). Thank you Excedrin!
This giveaway is open to US residents only and will end on November 23, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST). The winners will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winners will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to reply or a new winner will be chosen in their place.
To enter please leave a comment on this post and tell me how you make the holidays less stressful?
For extra entries you can use the Rafflecopter widget (below) but you must complete the initial entry requirement or the additional entries won’t qualify (I do check). Extra entries are optional.
Kimberly
*I have partnered with Excedrin migraine and will compensated for my participation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Ashley S. says
I try to avoid headaches by shopping early and figuring out my budget way before I begin shopping…and by entering giveaways in hopes to help me pay for christmas! 😉
shelly says
I try to take breaks during the hectic times. Take a walk, go window shopping.
Catherine says
Try not to over do it or over schedule things.
Niurka says
I plan ahead of time
Mary Happymommy says
It’s definitely less stressful for me to do shopping online rather than fight the crowds.
maureen says
I try to shop for gifty items through the year.
I spread the baking out through the weeks.
I also try to eat right and get enough sleep.
Tara Liebing says
I like to shop ahead of time and do as much of my shopping online as I can. Then I can avoid the crowded stores and traffic.
Samantha Daleo says
I like to take my time and try to avoid the feeling of being rushed. I also like to make lists…lots of them! That way my brain isn’t pressured with trying to remember everything.
jennifer horn says
I try to shop ahead of time and get my family involved in helping out with everything that needs to be done.
scott amoroso says
We make the holidays less stressful by trying to get most of our shopping out of the way in october / november!
Denise L says
Baking! I love to do it and home-baked goodies makes everyone’s mood better 🙂
Elena says
I make holidays less stressful by having my holiday shopping done early
Lisa Brown says
i make sure to have my husband help out cooking or shopping for gifts so it’s not such a burden on me.
Ellie W says
I do a lot of my shopping online. It’s amazing how less stressed I get when I don’t have to battles crowds.
Michelle Weaver says
I just make everything fun and have a postitive attitude
Adrienne Gordon says
by assisgning tasks for people to get the house ready
alicia k (Petite Pilates Pixie) says
by making to do lists and checking them off as i go
stephanie says
having a enough money
melissa Resnick says
I would like to just go away with my family and skip it
Tamra H says
Start shopping early! I hate having to rush around the days before Christmas trying to wrap up all the gift shopping. Those days should be as stress free as possible.
Scott Martin says
I think holiday music soothes me.
Deb E says
I have to do my stretching, yoga, meditation, praying at the start of my day (not always in the am). That really helps me stay focused and relaxes my mind and body for the day ahead.
Margaret Smith says
I try to be organized, make lists and do a little each day to prepare for the Holidays so I’m not overwhelmed
Jessie C. says
I get all shopping done early and focus on spending quality time with my family.
Jessamine D. says
I make the holiday season less stressful by making it fun and enjoyable. 🙂
kelly rae says
I think keeping it simple is always what you should do. You shouldn’t try to create a lavish meal you’ve never created before.
Cynthia R says
i make the holidays less stressful by trying to get my christmas cards done by thanksgiving.
Sadie B. says
I have my shopping and decorating done early. Then I can relax and enjoy the time.
Mary Somerville says
Keeping the kids on their usual schedule (especially with sleep!) helps a lot! There is a lot about the Holidays that we do, and love doing-crafts, cooking, decorating- that are de-stressing. I try to have things like this on hand to do, to help us wind down when we need it!
Shannon Baas says
do most of my shopping online.
Wendy T says
Honestly, the way to avoid holiday stress is to keep your expectations (of you an of others) in check. It’s not about this thing or that thing – it’s about being together, bonding and creating memories that weave the story of our lives.
Tiffany Drew says
I plan ahead and make sure everything is ready the day before events.
Rosie says
Preparing during the year, gifts ahead, collecting menu and decorating ideas, and making gifts. Also, among the adults, gift giving is kept to a minimum as an agreed upon rule.
Danielle D says
I would say shopping online avoid the stores and people at all cost!
Christina says
I try to plan and prepare as much as possible for the holidays…. we start decorating early so we have time to do it and enjoy it. I start shopping early to try to avoid last minute rush.
Jeccica Simpson says
Prep everday before xmas, a little hear and there. Take deep breaths too hahah
alyce poalillo says
I have really simplified things-less is more-I do a lot less but I have more fun and enjoy the season. We have a simple meal with some of our favorites, a few gifts and minimal decoration.But we spend quality time together.
jessica todd says
I try not to wait until the last minute for buying gifts. Buying a little along here and there seems to make things less stressful for me.
Lisa says
I try to get my holiday shopping done before December so I can just enjoy the holiday parties and relax!
Patty Jester says
I am old enough now that I give cash for the holidays and just sit back, relax and enjoy the family.
joni mitchell says
shopping online
Jody Sisson says
I shop early and have everything planned ahead of time.
rebecca shockley says
I have been practicing some meditation and spending less but still grabbing some great gift’s
Ben G says
I make the holidays less stressful by planning and buying ahead of time, The days get away from you quickly during the holidays and before you know it, they’re here!
Kelly D says
I share cooking and cleaning responsibilities with my family members to make the holidays less stressful.
Starr Greenwell says
Start shopping EARLY, and always keep in mind what the holidays are really about and enjoy all the happy times with friends and family, laugh often.
Ann Fantom says
To ease my holiday stress, I finish my shopping as early as possible, and bake all my Christmas cookies in early December and then freeze them so I’m not rushing around trying to finish everything right before Christmas
Patricia Wojnar Crowley says
I follow a schedule for normal everyday activities, and try to shop early so it’s done before the craziness hits in the stores!
Tracy Robertson says
I start Christmas shopping in mid November and pace myself.
Tammy S says
I try to do as much shopping ahead of time as I can. Then I don’t have to deal with the hassle of the big crowds.
Geoff K says
I try to pace myself and do my shopping, wrapping, decorating, and baking in stages rather than all at once. I also plan ahead for travel (booking flights, coordinating everyone’s schedules, etc.) well ahead of time to avoid any last minute snafus or stress.
Sarah L says
I buy presents all year long so I don’t have to sweat it in December.
Thanks for the contest.
Amy Bostic says
I make it less stressful by not shopping in the stores. I try to buy online only
harolde says
We don’t rush, we plan in advance and take our time.
Stephanie V. says
plan ahead (and wine)
tvollowitz at aol dot com
Heather Hayes Panjon says
I Start Shopping As Early AS Possible To Avoid Crowds, Long Lines And Stress.
Tari Lawson says
I try to start shopping early (After Halloween) and do it in small doses.
Kristie says
I like to do most of my shopping and wrapping early.
Sharon Rooney says
I try to get as much done in advance as possible. Shopping on-line is a real time saver and I wrap gifts as I buy them.
Janet F says
I shop sales and clearance for gifts year round to make holidays less stressful.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
debbie says
Make a list and stick to it. There is nothing more stressful than overspending.
Amy Honious says
I shop through the year and start baking the day after Halloween! I also coordinate my decorations so that I don’t have to think so much about them. Thanks for the giveaway!
Cindy Merrill says
I make my chutneys and jams and give them away during the holidays- easier on the budget and less stress.
Amy Orvin says
I make the holidays less stressful by getting my shopping done in July.
Jennifer Rote says
I don’t do much of anything for the holidays. Which makes for a lot less stress.
melikegarfield says
I try to make the holidays less stressful by taking a few extra days off of work and buy my presents a bit early, like on Black Friday.
Stacy Boland says
I try to plan ahead and not overschedule. Starting early helps too!
Cynthia C says
I try to start early and do a little every day so I don’t get overwhelmed.
ginette4 says
I get my family to help me and if I don’t get it done it doesn’t get down
Sam Stamp says
This year I’m trying to finish ALL of my Christmas Shopping before December begins so I don’t have to stress over it!
Melissa M says
I set budget and stick with it! I also start shopping in the summer
D Schmidt says
I try to stay stress free by shopping as far in advance as I can and planning! Writing lots of lists seems to help me.
Kimberly Schotz says
I enter giveaways all year long and save the prizes I win for gifts and the gift cards for all the Christmas extras. It takes a lot of pressure off me.
melina r says
We make the holidays less stressful by not celebrating the holidays the day that they are supposed to. We celebrate the day before or the day after.
melina r says
follow on bloglovin
melina ramirez mramirez999
Alison says
I honestly haven’t figured out yet how to make the holidays less stressful!!
Jenna D says
I plan all my holiday shopping ahead of time
Sarah Hirsch says
i avoid the mall during holiday shopping season
tammigirl says
Last year they were wonderful. The only gifts I bought were a nice pajama set for all the kids (they’re big kids, not little kids, they were fine with it) and something for my mother. The lack of shopping stress left so much time and energy for the real joys of Christmas; baking, playing games, watching movies together, etc. We had a fantastic holiday season! And I don’t know if this has anything to do with it, but this is the first year ever I wanted to put up the tree already. We have a tree up and decorated in our family room already.
Jason Crooks says
We make holidays less stressful by making sure we get most of our shopping done early. We also surround ourselves with friends and family to make sure we get to spend some time with everybody that we love.
Angela Y says
I try to shop online and make alot of lists so I am organized.
Jackie says
I try to make the holidays less stressful by doing as much before Christmas as I can.
Thank you!
Georgette says
I have worked in retail my whole life, so I could write a book about headaches! Especially during the holidays! What I do- at work, make sure I drink a lot of coffee to keep myself upright and not crabby (without coffee, it can get ugly), and have pistachios and dark chocolate to snack on so I don’t crash from hunger pangs during the crazy times.
At home, I relax with a hot shower or bath, a glass of wine, and if there are people arguing around me, I will put on my earbuds, listen to my Ipod, and read fan fiction.. Yes, I’m lame. but that’s what I do to relax and not stress myself out, which almost always leads to headaches.
Danielle F. says
I shop for gifts early, collecting different presents over the year when I see something someone might like and I try to avoid the malls/stores during peak shopping times because I hate long lines and crowds. That can be so stressful not to mention the traffic!
Tiffani Jade says
I make the holidays less stressful by doing a lot of my shopping online that way I can avoid crowded stores and long lines.
Kate D. says
I try to plan ahead as much as possible, shop online, and try to shop at off times.
April Brenay says
we don’t panic about gifts, my husband and I haven’t gottan anything for each other in 10 years, we make it about our kids and they only get 3 gifts each.
nickie says
I shop online alot beforehand
angel d says
i do my shopping all year around so its not a huge finacally hit at once, i start wrapping first week of december and do a few a night so its not all at once.
Ellen B says
try to get stuff done early
carol clark says
on certain day i do certain tasks to get it all done leaves me less stressful instead of doing it all in a day or two
Kari says
I try to get my shopping done early and I usually only go on weekday mornings, when the stores are a little less crowded. Also, I listen to a lot of Christmas music…that always helps improve my mood.
Candice says
I try to prepare as much as possible before they even start. I have a couple people on my list completely done for gifts this year.
Erika W. says
I try to do my shopping early so I’m not stressed out!
angel d says
i follow on blog lovin
Jennifer T. says
I try to dole out the responsibilities a bit. That way it’s not all on me.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
Jennifer T. says
I follow on Bloglovin’ under magmom73.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
Pam O says
I have my son make a list of everything he wants and I choose from that list. I collect all year for Christmas. And I collect gift card during the year to be used for anything that I need closer to Christmas and last minute gifts.
Michele L says
hmm…good question. I’ve been learning to let things go and not worry about them
Megan says
We focus on the fun things we want to do rather than a bunch of parties and obligations.
Valerie F says
I make it less stressful by trying not to overbook too many things!
judy gardner says
my sister takes the kids to make cookies or go see the Christmas lights while i take a bubble bath. she is a great help!
Jennifer B says
I start early and makes lists and try not to shop on weekends
Sandra VanHoey says
We try watching for sales, starting a little early to get food, etc. prepared and use coupons when possible
Suzanne K says
I try very hard to not overcommit/overschedule. That way I have time to enjoy a bit more
Rust says
I try to get as much done ahead of time as I can, including shopping and food prep that can be frozen.
Holli Joren says
I try to get a lot of Christmas shopping done early, so that I don’t have that last minute panic.
dawn cook says
start shopping early!! i am almost done and it will be wrapped probably before the tree even goes up, and use layaway too!
Michele P says
for me, it would be shopping yearly-or all year round, but unfortunately I am not able to do this as often as I’d like.
Katie Amanda says
I do a lot of internet shopping.
Ashley C says
I really try to avoid the malls or other overly-croweded shopping areas during the holidays. People can be really rude and I don’t need that negativity during such a joyful time!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Sarah Hall says
I try to shop ahead of the holidays so that I have more time to decorate and cook.
Shemp DeYoung (@shempgames) says
I feel better about the holidays when I start planning ahead. I like to get my shopping done early.
Dalores says
I try to spend as much time with my family as possible & not overspend.
Melissa Hartley says
I try to shop on weekdays, instead of weekends & do some shopping online which avoids the crowds:)
Thank you
Melissa Hartley says
Blog Lovin’ Follower:
Melissa Green Hartley OR leplady
Carey Miller says
I make the holidays less stressful by refusing to get sucked into any family drama. Just smile and walk away!
Katie Roch says
I make the holidays less stressful by shopping year round for presents. It not only lessens the stress associated with finding the right gifts it also lessens the financial stress because the cost is spread out.
kim says
I haven’t really figured out how to make the holidays less stressful yet I just go in another room and scream or cry for about 15 minutes take a deep breath and know it will be over in about a month a go out smiling!
kim says
I follow you on bloglovin
Debra Hernandez says
I do as much shopping online as I can–no battling stressful crowds.
Toneria M says
I bake and enjoy a glass of wine every now and then. Nothing relaxes me more than the smelling the aroma of sweet dessert baking, all the while enjoying a glass of my favorite wine and watching Scandal.
deb c says
I start getting things done early. I’m almost done with all my Christmas shopping.
Debra Hall says
i love christmas music it calms me
courtney b says
i try to get all my holiday shopping done early…
Amanda Sakovitz says
I try to save up money and gift cards by entering giveaways
Thomas Murphy says
I do all my shopping online because its mush less stressful.
Tabathia B says
Wow, I am going through this right now. I have started off by making lists of everything that has to be done and have gotten my family involved in helping to take the stress off of me
Trenda T says
Making lists makes things a ton easier, plus taking hot baths is great at the end of the day!
jenna d says
Shared on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenna.dillon.1000/posts/176381542558053
Kelly Grant says
start shopping very early
kyl neusch says
plan ahead of time
Beth R says
I don’t try doing everything myself (store bought desserts are fine) and I take Valerian root. 🙂
Carolyn says
Delegating
Joseph Stowell says
Instead of looking at the negatives, look at all of the great things that happened during the holidays and embrace them.
TawndaM says
…just do what you can, & …well… what can’t be done can always wait…The holidays are NOT about a day… it’s the general spirit…
Deb K says
I just try to be prepared and do what I can ahead of time.
ellen beck says
I try and have things ready ahead of time so I can sit and enjoy the company instead of constantly running around.
Amanda S. says
We have my family’s side get together after Christmas, so that makes one event a lot less stressful! It’s so much easier not having to try to fit it in before Christmas.
Sarah L says
subscribe email: slehandwc at gmail dot com
Audra O'Hara says
I try to do my shopping early and most of it online. That way I’m not stressing as Christmas gets closer.
Kristi C says
I shop for gifts online and enlist the help of my husband and children.
april yedinak says
I try to limit my commitments and I focus on meaningful traditions. I also try to bake a lot, because I find it to be a stress reliever.
april yedinak says
follow on bloglovin
katrina carr says
Always make a list..shop online and skip black Friday
Julie Henry says
I try not to worry about making everything perfect.
Betsy Barnes says
To help make the holidays less stressful, I plan ahead, usually begin around Halloween making lists of who/what to buy, as it approaches, I take time for myself, make sure I eat right and get enough sleep, plus delegate some things to my husband and son. 🙂
Betsy Barnes says
I follow She Scribes on BlogLovin as Betsy Barnes 🙂
Katherine says
I get it done early I have only one gift yet to buy! SO excited~
Katherine says
Follow on bloglovin
Betsy Barnes says
Facebook share: https://www.facebook.com/betsy.barnes.94/posts/394358754027480 🙂
Lisa says
I follow on bloglovin!
Jacob says
Honestly, I try to avoid those people that would add to the stress. That’s the best decision I have made as an adult
kathy dalton says
I start my shopping early and grab the bargains all year long
kathy dalton says
i love hellmans and honesty i dont settle for the store brand. I love hellmans on leftover turkey sandwiches AND ESPECIALLY when i make homemade potato salad
steve weber says
I usually just plan ahead.. shopping, grocery shopping, etc..
Anna H says
Take breathers once in a while, and keep your eye on the wonderful holiday coming soon!
Virginia Rowell says
I try to get things done early, but that doesn’t always work out. I do make lists to keep me in check and that helps a lot.
BusyWorkingMama says
I start shopping early and budget for the holidays.
Amelia Drew says
I make the holidays less stressful but starting early and planning a lot- there is still stress but much less!
Amelia Drew says
I commented on a non-giveaway post https://www.shescribes.com/2013/11/5-steps-to-avoid-a-holiday-meltdown-from-bestselling-breakthrough-performance-expert-noah-st-john.html
DorothyTeel says
I try to make the holidays less stressful by wrapping presents as we get them so it is not a all time consuming deal and also check to see if what you bought needs batteries and get batteries to have on Christmas morning – works for us. ANd always save all receipts.
Grace A says
Setting budgets before I buy
Laurie Layton says
I try to start buying gifts and prepping early. And I must have a to do list or I would be really stressed.
Karen M says
I try to make the holidays less stressful by not trying to over-do it. Thanks
Tamar says
I enlist in help for cooking.
Selene M. says
I say no to activities and chores that add to my stress, even if this is a break from old tradition.
Birdie Skolfield says
I get my grankids to help w/ shopping & wrapping my two biggest foes
Susan Christy says
I make a lot of lists, have alternate gift ideas if I can’t find exactly what I’m looking for and I bake because that takes away all my stress.
Karen R says
I stay away from the Black Friday deals. Dealing with the crowds is too stressful.
BeckyM says
I make lots of lists!
Barbara Montag says
I try to prioritize and do lots of deep breathing.
Thank you.
Barbara Montag says
Blog Lovin http://www.bloglovin.com/barbaramontag
Lisa Weidknecht says
I nurse my wine.
Angel A says
I do most of my shopping online so I can avoid the crowds at the mall!
Nadine L says
I de-stress my holidays by going with a list and a budget, as long as I stick to it, everything is easy
Tara says
I save a lot of headaches by shopping online for the bulk of our Christmas. I also shop in smaller stores outside of the mall. I plan lots of family time too.
gala says
I pray a lot
Lindley A says
We spend time with the extended family before and after the holidays so that we can spend Christmas with just ourselves. Makes the day much less stressful!
Annmarie W. says
I try to make the holidays less stressful by constantly reminding myself that I don’t have to ‘do it all’! I can say no to some activities!
Annmarie W. says
I follow on bloglovin! (amweeks)
Natasha says
I try to take a few minutes each day to relax during the holidays!
Annmarie W. says
I shared on G+! https://plus.google.com/+AnnmarieWeeks/posts/YQBMhHFZqZ7
kathy dalton says
shared on fb https://www.facebook.com/kathy.c.dalton/posts/557385044334188
latanya says
I start shopping for gifts throughout the year to avoid last minute shopping
rachel travis says
Get my shopping done early and keep the house clean!!
Jessica H. says
I try and make it less stressful by planning ahead far in advance and starting collecting gifts early in the year.
Eugenia Hall says
By taking time out for the rituals that are important to me and my family, regardless of how inconvenient it is. Without the things that bring meaning to the season, there’s no joy to be found.
Rita M says
I alleviate the holiday stress by planning ahead.
Monique Rizzo says
I avoid lines and shop online.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
Julie says
shop early, keep my menu and entertaining simple
Mary Calabrese says
I try to avoid being around people who stress me out. And I eat chocolate.
kelley wood says
stay away from black friday!! 🙂
Maria Camacho says
I start shopping way ahead of time!
Allison Downes says
I plan ahead of time and I start shopping early!
Thank you for the chance to win this!
Christine Mayfield says
I make our holidays less stressful by focusing on Jesus and not so much on presents and gifts. I also focus on the joy of having my husband home and not overseas
MARTHA says
All the family and friends bring a dish and we all enjoy the meal with no hassle,,as the shopping is done through the year ..
Kimberly C. says
Start early and make lots of lists! BREATHE! Take a moment here and there for some “Me” time. Stop off for a special latte etc with a friend or your hubby!
Kathleen says
I shop early and online
kport207 at gmail dot com
Amanda K-B says
I try to start buying gifts early. If I spread it out, the expense doesn’t seem as overwhelming.
Jeanine turner says
I try to make holidays less stressful by letting the kids help me out and make it nice family time.
kathy dalton says
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Kathleen Richardson says
I plan and start holiday shopping early. I also enjoy baking so I bake a lot around the holidays to ease my nerves.
M.Clark says
Don’t wait until the last minute to shop for gifts, start shopping very early in the year.
Shelley says
I make the holidays less stressful by trying to get holiday shopping done as early as I can!
Shelley says
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kathy dalton says
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Heather K says
I like to shop online.
Daniel M says
just go with the flow
Michele Behlen says
I try to do as much shopping as possible online.
Brittney House says
I make them less stressful by planning ahead.
Stephanie Larison says
I try to get the shopping done as soon as possible to escape the crazy late shopping days.
Sonya says
I try to shop in advance and enjoy my time with the family
joni says
If it was up to me, I’d go to some island for the holidays and come back after it’s all over. I always stress out over the holidays for many reasons, past and present. I just take it day by day.
Deb C says
When people offer to help or bring foods to gatherings, I ACCEPT.
joseph gersch jr says
i invite over some ffriends to decorate and chat
joseph gersch jr says
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Kim H says
I make holidays less stressful by avoiding Black Friday
Megan Cromes says
start my christmas shopping earlier.
Heather B says
I try and shop sales and clearance throughout the year and put stuff away in the gift closet
Lisa Garner says
I try to do as much shopping as I can through the year so I don’t have the stress of last minute shopping.
Rebecca Peters says
I start our shopping early!
Danielle says
I try to do most my shopping online to avoid the crowded stores and people.
Karen Matlock says
I make the holidays less stressful by not going to the mall! I try to make gifts or choose items from small local businesses.
Marianne says
Keep the stress down by asking friends and family members for help delegating tasks so you aren’t doing everything by yourself! Also, keep it simple and stick to the basics!
ewhatley says
I keep a perpetual list and shop for bargains all year. Planning and organization are keys to not being frantic.
Jae Park says
We shop online to avoid stressful crowds etc. Thanks!
Susan Smith says
My husband does some of the shopping which helps make the holidays less stressful for me.
Candice Hull says
I start the holiday with the thought that nothing will go the way I want to and then I’m never disappointed and always pleasantly surprised.
Thanks
Jamie N says
I actually don’t find the holiday season stressful, I love it!
kathy dalton says
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Cori Westphal says
One thing I do is wrap gifts as soon as I buy them. For one, I don’t have to wrap everything all at once. And two, I don’t have to worry about someone trying to find my secret hiding place and peeking at unwrapped presents!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Crystal says
I’m spending Thanksgiving with friends instead of family this year. WAY more fun and less stressful! 🙂
Gina says
I save headaches by scheduling down time on the calendar in December for both me and the kids, so we don’t feel too busy and can enjoy the season.
Shannon says
Just spending time with loved ones and not stressing about shopping.
Alicia says
I have made the holidays less stressful by doing more of my shoppin online.
Melanie C says
My attempts are the same every year…..start early, reduce some of the stress. Now if I could just follow through with that :/
kathy dalton says
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Leslie L Stanziani says
I do tend to stress but have learned to start asking for help,that I am not super woman and have limits to what I can and can not do now.
Leslie L Stanziani says
I follow on bloglovin’ as lstanziani. Thanks!
Sherry Conrad says
I learned to stop trying to do everything and just keep the things that mean the most to each of us.
Terry Cross says
I try to get as much done ahead of time before the big day
Amie Olson says
I don’t travel over the holidays. That makes the holidays much less stressful. We just celebrate with our immediate family.
Rosey says
I do as much pre-planning as possible to cut down on the stress.
Tanya White says
I have things pre planned and always plan for extra in case plans change, it helps so I dont get stressed out last minute.
Erica C. says
I just make sure to take time for myself.
CharityS says
I always plan ahead, and I never let things get to me.
Richard Hicks says
I try to plan ahead and be ready for get togethers.
Rona B says
I like to do yoga, breathing exercise and taking walks, to relax.
Breanne says
Schedule things
Jill says
Shop early and shop online.
janna johnson says
no shopping in stores! only online
Susan Smoaks says
i keep it simple to make the holidays less stressful
Beverly Metcalf says
I try to get most of my shopping and wrapping done early, so I don’t get stressed out during the busy holiday season. After the tree is up, and the house is clean and decorated, I like to relax and enjoy the holidays. Thanks for having this contest.
Carmen says
I plan, plan, and plan some more!
laurie says
I try to do things in the time I have and if I don’t get done their is always another day
Trisha McKee says
I try to frontload errands so I am not racing last minute. I don’t start shopping super early but usually late October. And I remind myself that this time is for family and celebration, not perfection and stress.
Trisha McKee says
Follow on blog lovin’ as trisha mckee
Sharon says
I try to make the holidays less stressful for me by planning ahead. Making lists of all I have to do and making holiday dishes and deserts ahead of time as much as possible. I try not to have to shop at he last minute too, also when possible! Thanks for a wonderful giveaway!
Brei H. says
I try to do as much a I can ahead of time so i’m not rushed the day of events! Also, I make a list to keep on track 🙂
Bryan E. says
Thanks for the giveaway… we plan ahead so there are no big “surprises” !