I could literally feel my blood pressure raise the first moment I saw Christmas trees on display (and for the record, Lowe’s, September is WAY TOO SOON). It’s not that I don’t enjoy the holidays (the lights, the food, the movies, the togetherness…I love it ALL), but it’s just that I don’t like the stress that comes along with it. As everyone knows, it’s the mom who does most of the work for the holidays and with that comes along a TON of pressure. So after escaping my family to catch Bad Moms Christmas with my mom squad, I was inspired to find some holiday shortcuts to make this holiday season more joyful and less stressful. My gift to you, dear reader, are my holiday hacks to help you relax and truly enjoy the month ahead:
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Give yourself a break this year and simply post a holiday photo of your family with a jolly greeting on social media in lieu of a holiday card. You will save money, time, and effort. I mean…aren’t there a thousand things you’d rather be doing instead of tracking down addresses?
Create a babysitting co-op with friends and families that you trust. That way, you can save money on babysitters but still have time to get around town, running errands, escaping the constant sibling arguments, and taking some much needed “me time.” And when it is your turn to watch the gaggle of kids, simply order a pizza, pop in a movie, and let the kids entertain each other. Just keep an ear open for clunks and thuds.
Consider Cyber Monday a holiday and take a half day from work if you can. That way, you can get almost all of your holiday shopping done from the comfort of your couch, and with all of the great deals that are out there, you will save time AND money. I’ll be sharing my favorite Cyber Monday steals soon…stay tuned!
Make meal prep easier by relying on the grocery store. Get help from the store by stocking up on rotisserie chickens for simple yet delicious meals, and utilize the butcher at your local Mariano’s. Did you know that they will cook your meat FOR FREE while you shop? Game changer.
Skip doing laundry during the holidays. Well, not ALL the laundry. But if you sign up for Le Tote, the stylish clothing rental service for moms, you won’t have to do YOUR laundry and will look effortlessly stylish at all of your holiday events. Plus, you won’t get caught wearing the same thing twice.
Shop at small businesses instead of big box stores. Not only are you supporting your community, but there are also SO many perks to take advantage of, such as shopping by phone and complimentary gift wrapping. Last year our holidays were saved by Building Blocks Toy Store and Beat Street West when our family was hit HARD by the stomach flu. These mom run businesses are truly Santa’s most hardworking elves.
Speaking of gift giving, simplify it as best you can. Instead of giving individual gifts to nieces and nephews, consider giving a family gift. A board game, snacks, and a comfy blanket make the PERFECT Family Game Night gift. You can also save yourself a few steps and give gift box subscriptions. All you have to do is order online and everything else is done for you. Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy.
Lastly, give up the need to have a Pinterest Perfect holiday table. Seriously, just let it go. Because let’s face it, your kids probably won’t even eat the fancy meals that you slave over in the kitchen. Better yet, order a delicious pie from one of your favorite bakeries and pass it off as your own. Even grandma will be fooled.
Looking for other ways to simplify your holiday season, such as unique Santa experiences and the best ways to catch the CTA holiday train? I’ve got you covered, mama.
Happy Holidays!
Amanda
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These are all smart hacks. I love the idea of swapping babysitting services. I think I might do that this year with some friends.
I like to keep everything simple. When you fuss to much it creates a lot of stress.
EXACTLY!
These are awesome holiday hacks! Love the idea of ordering from a bakery. That would definitely be a time saver.
I love this. I never will have a Pinterest table. I just don’t care to, plus I have kids who will instantly mess it up. Plus cats who like to jump on the table.
I cannot believe that it is already Christmas time again. There are many things I love about Chris’s not stress is definitely not one of them. I think it’s a great idea did have a co-op with your family and friends so that all of you can have a break and go out have fun just on your own.
I remember seeing Christmas trees out at Hobby Lobby in July – way too soon! I love the holiday season and entertaining is one of my favorite things to do so I’ll go crazy with tablescapes and table settings. But sometimes, I even use paper plates. 🙂
I love this time of the year, normally. I’m really trying hard this year to get into the spirit. But there just seems to be so many negative things going on right now. Our tree is up and our decorations are out, and for the sake of trying to get into the spirit we are watching Christmas movies.
I love these hacks. I’m always looking for fun ,easy ways to celebrate the holidays while also making my life easier. These are great tips.
I stopped sending out cards years ago, talk about relieving stress. One less thing to do. Great tips on other things to do.
These are some great sounding tips, I don’t send out many cards these days as I just cannot write them anymore and I’m hoping to take advantage of black Friday / cyber Monday.
I love the idea of swapping babysitters during the holidays. And wouldln’t it be great if we could skip laundry till new years?
These are some awesome,e hacks. I definitely have let rotisserie chickens save the day sometimes.
Now this is interesting. I can see these hacks being used many times over. Wow…
These are some really good tips. I like the idea of a babysitting collective with friends. I also rely on the grocery store for a lot of our holiday food.
These are great tips and hacks. I have decided to not stress about the holidays and “take it easy”. We had to leave our home due to hurricane Irma and we are still living at my inlaws so I’m not decorating this year at all. I will just put up a small tree.
As much as I love the festive period I too dislike the stress that comes with it, these are some great tips I know many mum’s will love it
Love these holiday hacks! They are so helpful especially with all the chaos that surrounds this time of the year! It’s so funny you mention a comfy blanket, I was just looking at those big chunky yarn blankets a little while ago (and I totally want one!).
I mean, who wouldn’t love a comfy and cozy blanket for the holidays?!?!
I’m so with you on the holiday card hack. I just can’t keep up!
Right? My husband fights me on it but I don’t care! 😉