The Holiday Hustle

The Spirit of Stress?

As the festive lights twinkle and carols fill the air, the anticipation of Christmas brings with it a unique blend of joy … and work.

For many of us, December is not just about celebrations but also about the whirlwind of preparations that sometimes overshadows the holiday spirit.

Literally, me

Eight days out and this is where I find myself.

How about you?

The holiday season often comes with a hefty price tag. From gifts to decorations, food, extras, et al., expenses can pile up quickly.

The past four years have been the hardest in a long while for almost all of us in America.

The pressure to buy the perfect gift and host the best holiday, even if it’s just for immediate family, easily leads to overspending, which can then leave us with post-holiday financial blues.

Maybe sharing what my process is will help you, too.

I try to set a budget early. I get a list from each of the kids (and Crash) and challenge myself to get as much of what they ask for on the list within the budget. I have oft supplemented with homemade gifts or special edible treats.

Between shopping, wrapping, cooking, baking, decorating, and making sure the kids show up to any events for them at school well-prepared, free time seems to vanish.

The ticking clock can induce panic. I feel like I’m constantly behind schedule.

I plan ahead by creating a calendar for all holiday tasks. I get the hardest things done as early as possible, saving things I most enjoy for closest to Christmas Eve to get me back in the spirit after the stress has has wrung me out.

I remind myself that, somehow, I always pull it together to make a nice holiday, even if it doesn’t all get done; thereby, preserving my sanity.

Social media and holiday-type movies often paint an unrealistic picture of what Christmas should look like.

The house in Home Alone was always my ideal but now I’m glad I don’t have it as I would break bones trying to housekeep it!

Now, my goal is to make the holiday as comfy and as filled with beloved items, family recipes, and traditions as I can pass along to my kids to share someday.

I have learned to embrace my own version of the holidays. It’s about what makes my family happy, not how expensive the tree is, or the presents gotten, nor what looks good on X for anyone else.

The physical demands definitely take a toll no matter how carefully the year’s holidays are planned.

As I explained on my show today, all of our birthdays (now even the dog!) are in September and October. After Halloween, our wedding anniversary and then Thanksgiving keep me hopping! Of course, with just a week’s respite, the Christmas planning and execution then begins.

From the 1st of September to the 1st of January, the Taylor house is abuzz with holiday excitement and celebrations.

But while these four months are the busiest time of my year, and the Christmas preparations can be the most stressful, I still get so excited.

I can take it easy the other eight months.

We video Tristan coming down the stairs to see his presents on Christmas morning every year. The look on his face and the manic excitement when something is there from his list or is something he never dreamed of getting is still precious and priceless though he is now twelve.

Some years are rich and some years are poor but every year provides a boon of meaningful memories and that’s what matters.

I’ve learned to navigate the festive season with more joy as the kids grow up and I become a better, craftier homemaker. Remembering that Christmas is where the magic is in the moments, not the madness, has made so much difference.

My hope is that you, too, can keep your heart light, let the magic burn bright, and enjoy a wonderful holiday season.

I would love to hear about your family traditions in the comments!

kate~