This week, I wanted to share my perspective on minimizing the stress and chaos that can often surround the holidays.
I love Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I love baking and cooking and having people over.
Now, holidays in our house tend to run smoothly. My parents and in-laws get along well and we all keep things pretty laidback.
I realize that this is not everyone’s situation. I am pretty lucky.
While my experience is unique, I think I have a few tried and true tips to help anyone’s holiday festivities run a bit more smoothly.
Tip #1: plan your menu in advance
Joy and I are sister-in-laws, so we usually spend holidays together. Most years, we get together a few days before Thanksgiving and Christmas to prepare all the food we need. This makes the actual holiday super smooth.
She and I have a great system for working things out together. We can figure out a menu based on whatever we have in our pantries and fridges or get creative and use new recipes to serve a new and unusual feast.
Whatever your style, take time to sit down and plan out your menu.
Make sure you write it down too!
I also like to print off recipes for these big occasions. Although day-to-day, I will often just read recipes off my phone, it is very helpful to have a printed copy when making a major meal with various components.
Once you have your menu settled, you can sit down and make your shopping list. There is no shame in using a grocery delivery or pick-up service either. A few extra dollars is worth the time saved at this time of year!
Tip #2: involve many helpers!
Working with Joy as a team to prep for most holidays is a huge boon. We both like cooking and baking, so it is honestly a whole lot of fun.
If you don’t have a sister-in-law or family member like this, though, find someone else who can help! Maybe you have a close friend who wants to tag team to prep holiday dishes together. Having someone to work alongside makes the time pass and the entire experience more enjoyable.
If you have kids, don’t be afraid to get them involved too.
My little ones help peel carrots, apples, or potatoes. They like feeling helpful and it keeps them out of trouble and within my line of sight.
Older kids can be even more helpful, chopping or even preparing an entire recipe themselves. My 10- and 12-year-olds are both able to do this with just a bit of guidance from me.
One year, they actually made all the side dishes and desserts for Thanksgiving; all I did was print off the recipes (stick to simple recipes the first time around) and help wash the dishes after.
If all else fails, ask your guests to bring a dish to lessen your load. If you want a specific spread, assign each guest a designated dish, or if you want to ensure everyone has something they like to eat, ask them to bring their personal favorites!
Tip #3: plan activities, games, etc.
Whether you have little kids, teenagers, all adults, or a mix of ages and stages, any holiday gathering is improved by an activity of some kind.
For little kids, having a game to play keeps them distracted while the finishing touches are being put on the meal.
Get those teens off their devices by engaging them in an activity with a prize or incentive. Gift cards or cash as a grand prize will peak just about anyone’s interest!
If you are hosting an older crowd, have decks of cards or a puzzle available.
Music or a television program/movie in the background can be good too, but I try to focus on personal interactions during family gatherings. If your family loves to bond over a football game or a holiday movie, though, or if your kids love to entertain the grandparents with their dance moves, then turn up the volume!
Whatever you decide, plan these activities in advance too. If you want to watch a movie, decide if you need popcorn or another snack. If you want to include a game, pick up any supplies or prizes you need when you are shopping for your holiday menu items.
Tip #4: don’t be afraid to mix things up!
This is a tough one.
I know some people are steadfast in their holiday menus or traditions.
But if things are seeming tired or if people aren’t feeling the usual food, don’t be afraid to introduce a new tradition or change things up!
This year for Thanksgiving, my husband wanted to smoke a brisket, some of my kids wanted mac and cheese and one wanted pizza, and I wanted tacos. So we did it all! We just focused on serving everyone’s favorites and it was honestly great.
Tip #5: remember that the holidays are a season
A few years ago, Joy, Sarah, and I started to gather all of our kids for a few hours each Saturday leading up to Christmas. We dubbed these gatherings “Christmas Saturdays” and turned it into something of a countdown tradition.
The first year, we did way too much and cooked and baked together each week, but last year, we focused on just hanging out and watching a fun Christmas movie with all of our kids.
This year, we found a bit of a middle ground. We planned some activities (like painting rocks to leave when hiking – adding a little holiday cheer to strangers’ lives!) and let the kids run outside and play in the woods if they preferred. We still have popcorn and a movie set up for those who want to watch, and we moms are sticking to “simple” snacks or no food at all so we aren’t working in the kitchen the whole time.
I love this new tradition because it is a great reminder that it is called the holiday season for a reason. Schedule time throughout the month to gather with those you love. Don’t be afraid to add a gathering on a day other than Thanksgiving Day or December 25th (or whatever date your recognized holiday falls on).
We’ll conclude our Christmas Saturdays this year with a little holiday party for the kids and have them exchange homemade gifts. Friends may be busy on the actual holiday, but taking time to celebrate with them too – through your own little holiday party, Friendsgiving, or whatever you dub it! – is worth the time it takes to coordinate schedules!
Conclusion
The holidays can be super fun or super stressful. Some of this is out of your control, but do what you can to take the stress out of the season and make time for more joy.
I hope these tips are helpful. We’d love to hear your top tips for holiday fun!
