Set a budget

Looking ahead at the holidays and calculating a budget for how many people you want to buy for and what kind of presents you want to give, is a great way to decrease financial stress. Sticking to a plan will save you both money in expedited shipping costs and reduce the stress of last minute cramming and decision making.

Make sure to also compare deals for the presents you’re planning to purchase to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. Then, you can pamper yourself with the extra cash you don’t end up spending in the end (a win-win).

Set realistic expectations

Relax knowing that you aren’t Santa. Creating the mindset of buying the perfect gift or throwing the perfect party for everyone shouldn’t be a priority. It’s much more important to take care of yourself and enjoy the moment. After all, people are going to remember the amazing time they had with you, not the reindeer napkin ring on their perfect place setting at your dinner party.

Plan out time accordingly

It’s a given that the holidays are the busiest time of the year. If you’re one to write things down, buying a planner or downloading mobile apps is a great way to help keep you on track. It’s important to realize the value of your time, and by doing this, you’ll stay on top of the things you want to get done.

Schedule time for yourself

Speaking of planning apps, setting aside a block of time for yourself will clear your mind and keep you sane. If you give yourself one hour a day to do something for yourself, it is pretty much guaranteed you’ll see an improvement in your overall happiness. It could be as simple as taking a walk, watching your favorite show, reading a book, or even pampering yourself with a spa day.

Rely on your support network

Remember your loved ones during this time—they’re always there for you when you need them most. If you see yourself starting to get stressed, reach out.

Holiday events can be exhausting, if you’ve reached out to your friends and family and need additional support, a therapist is also another option. Having someone to talk to is important, especially in our COVID world.

Remember, the holidays are supposed to be fun! It can be hard to forget when the celebration craziness is in full swing, but at the end of the day, the holidays are all about happy experiences with the ones you love most. This is a great mindset to have if you’re dealing with a stressful situation.