I know I’m not alone in feeling like the holidays go way too fast. Like, way too fast. We are already a little over a week away from Christmas Day and I do admit, I still have a to-do list. A small one, but it is there. And my goal for this week is… to get those to-dos checked off. Why? Well, every year I try my best to avoid the holiday rush. I swear I notice the craziness – which includes extra traffic, long grocery store lines and zero mall parking lot spaces – even before Thanksgiving, but it lasts right up until Christmas Eve. By that time, I’m completely over it. Actually, I’m over it about the minute it starts. That’s why I’ve come up with a few ways to (at least try) avoid the holiday rush.
Make a list & check it twice
This trick isn’t just for Santa – lists will save you! I start my list of not only gifts, but things I want to bake and party outfits I need to plan well before the holidays actually hit. I realize that was a few weeks ago already, but it’s not too late. If you’re struggling to get organized as Christmas quickly approaches, start with a list. And then check it twice to make sure you have everything down. Did you get a gift bought? Check it off. Did you wrap it? Check it off again! I swear it will help ease stress levels and allow for more enjoyment while the holiday rush ensues.
Shop during odd times
My least favorite part about the holiday rush is definitely the traffic. Des Moines is hardly big enough to qualify as a “big city” so I can’t even imagine dealing with an even bigger metro. Our roads get crowded enough. My second least favorite part is the long lines and outrageously packed stores. I know it’s good for the economy and all… but I prefer to avoid it. So, this means, I’m doing my best to hit the stores at off times. Getting up early to head to the grocery store on weekends, going to the East Village over my lunch hour or stopping by the mall on a Monday night. It is hard to find times that aren’t busy this time of year, but I try my best.
Plan ahead
Really the key to getting the above two points to work is to plan ahead. Keep your planner updated, double check it constantly and see where you can fit in time for anything that needs to be done. I live by this rule in my daily life, but it comes especially important around the crazy holiday season. If it’s not in my planner, it won’t get done. Plain and simple.
And it never hurts to have some basic pieces in your wardrobe to aid in planning outfits for those random events or get togethers that spring up. Old Navy has been one of my go-to spots for affordable sweaters and denim this season. Pair basics with a festive scarf and you’ve got a perfectly simple & easy outfit. Just a little bonus tip for you.
I truly believe the holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not stressed about. So I’m here for whatever helps make that happen for you. The countdown is on!
whatkarlysaid says
These are all great tips! I’m with you that lists are key – I think I have five or six different ones going right now, ha! I can’t believe we’re only a little more than a week out. Ryan is home this weekend, so we’re hoping to make a final push to get the rest of our presents bought and wrapped. Fingers crossed!
brittany s. says
Hopefully you guys had a productive weekend! I always feel like I’m doing so good, and then I realize how many little things I have yet to do, lol! But we still have a week 🙂