Photography via Jack Bates
The holidays are the most magical time of the year and I don’t know about you, but December is my favorite month :). But with all of the holiday parties and present buying, sometimes stress creeps up on us unexpectedly. Here are 5 ways to win the holidays and beat holiday stress:
1) Buy/Make Gifts in Bulk
Ok, so I’m not saying you should get EVERYONE the same thing, but it will save time and energy if you get a few of your friends or family members something either from the same store or make them something the same.
2) Save “Me” Time
During the holidays, you can start feeling like you’re going a thousand miles a minute and have no time to lose. Remember to save a little bit of time at the end or beginning of the day to center yourself. Get yourself out of the holiday craziness by meditating, taking a bath or reading.
3) Give Back
Give back taking your family to volunteer at a soup kitchen or help wrap presents for the underprivileged. You can also partake in smaller random acts of kindness by paying for someone’s coffee behind you or offering to babysit your friends children.
4) Go in with a Plan
We all love our family, but sometimes when everyone gets together someone can bring up a topic or say something not very nice that causes arguments. Be prepared for this moment. If you plan for something along these lines, you will be able to quickly recover by changing the subject or going to help in the kitchen without getting caught up in the negativity.
5) Shop Online
I used to do all of my shopping at the mall and this year I’ve done 75% online. Many times you can find coupon codes for the website you’re buying from if you do a quick google search and save money! It saves so much time and you don’t have to battle for a parking spot! I also love Pinterest’s new “Holiday Gifts” tab – lots of great ideas there.
Who are you spending the holidays with this year? Let me know in the comments! ♥
happsters.com 
GREAT!!!! Give back & me time – YES!
I have to admit that I bulk buy gifts for some of my friends – I always think Christmas is more of a token present anyway and then I put more thought (and money) into birthday gifts!
Great ideas. Chronic illness has forced me to simply Christmas – the reduced stress allows me to really enjoy the holiday.
Trying to have a more relaxed Christmas this year and so far, so good! Love the home-made gift ideas =)
Shopping online was a GREAT decision this year–I think it’s gonna be my new plan. That, or get myself on the ball and buy gifts before December so the stores aren’t so nuts!