With all the hustle and bustle that goes on during the holiday season, one is bound to feel overwhelmed and stressed. However, it does not have to be this way. With a little planning and effort, you can avoid feeling stressed this holiday season.

There are a few things that you can do to ensure that instead of feeling stressed, you feel and remain in control and enjoy the season. Below I share three simple tips that I always turn to and they always deliver the results I want.

Keep Things Simple

With everything that we see on pinterest and youtube videos, one can easily get overwhelmed. The pressure for one to want to go all out and replicate what they have seen is real. But before you kill yourself by going over board remember somethings you spend too much time on may go unnoticed.

Determine what is essential for you and stick to that. Remember we each have different gifts for some people decorating a home for the holidays is a walk in the park. Others on the other hand need grace to do this. Focus on what will bring you joy and create memories for the season and do it well.

If you are hosting guests for the main meal, request that they each bring in a dish or a dessert so that your burden is lessened. Avoid spending money you do not have because this will catch up with you once the holidays are over. Instead, have a budget and inspite of the temption to go over board, try to stick to it.

Create a Plan & To Do Lists

The best way to get so much done over the holidays is to have a plan and to write things down. Prior to creating a plan, you tend to feel over whelmed and lack a sense of direction. However, when you make a list of all the things that you will be doing, you begin to realise that with the right plan it is achieveable. Once you have your list begin to prioritize it. Whether it is activities that have to be done or food that needs to be cooked prioritizing your list will do wonders for you. After this, follow you list and tackle one item at a time.

A plan is also good because it will ensure that you stick to your budget. Once you know what you need to buy and have bought it, resist any other offers for you to buy more. In addition, a plan will ensure that you are organised in the activities that you have to do during the holiday season. Plan for off peak times when places are not too busy. If you have to go shopping, do it first thing in the morning.

We tend to feel stressed because it all seems too much. However, breaking things up and starting early instead of leaving things for last minute will save you lots of stress. This will not only save you from the long lines at check out in shops but you also help to avoid the high costs of buying things last minute.

Get Everyone Involved

There is no better way to lessen your burden than getting everyone involved. Decide who will be in charge of what and ask everyone to do their part. Depending on their ages, kids can decorate the tree and the house and also help with the baking. They will be delighted that they are part of the whole process.

Also involve the other family members as you make plans of where to go during the holidays. You will be able to avoid people sulking because they do not want to go somewhere. In addition, involving them as you discuss the budget for the season will ensure that no one comes up with un realistic demands which force you to get into debt and stress you out.

And there you have it, three simple tips that will ensure that you enjoy the holiday season free of stress. Remember that the holidays are meant to be fun and peaceful so ensure that is what you get. Focus on bringing the joy of the season into your home and create memories you will live to cherish.