I wish people could hear what plays on a loop in my brain, all thanks to Holiday Anxiety. It is relentless and ferocious and eviscerates my joy and confidence. Holiday Anxiety is like a shinier, fancier, more horrible version of the regular kind—less sleep, more worry, never-ending questioning, followed by a funk I can’t explain.
- Santa’s making his list and checking it twice.
- This is vital, so let me repeat it: delegate!
- Don’t be afraid to tell people money is tight.
- Make your own rules.
- This week is the time to start getting your freezer cleared out to prepare it for all the leftovers and food to come.
- From this week on, buy one or two extra, non-perishable items to spread out the cost.
- Delegate … again. The work will start piling up, and you’ll need to keep on top of it. The later you wait, the more ruthless you will become. Make life easier!
- Stock up on all those things you don’t think you’ll need, but you always do: foil, paper plates, cocktail sticks, napkins, cling wrap, batteries. They’ll all get used eventually. Buying in bulk can save money too.
- Plan the entertaining you’re doing well in advance.
- Plan the parties you’re going to carefully also. There’s no need to buy a new outfit for each one – swap with friends or family members for the ones they won’t be at, and vice versa.
- Enjoy every minute with love and gratitude. And relax!
