12 DAYS TO A CALM CHRISTMAS

Give yourself the gift of a memorable and restful season with these suggestions to help you “work ahead”

“So, are you ready for Christmas?” 

We’d all like to say “yes” in a cheerful tone that makes everyone envision us sitting back and soaking up the season with nothing less than pure joy, but the truth is, our calendars are bursting, the “To Do” list is growing and we’re losing sleep keeping track of it all. Truthfully, some of us would rather “duck out” than “deck the halls.” 

Two in five adults said their stress level rises around Christmas compared with other times of the year according to a poll by the American Psychological Association, and, worse, 43% of respondents said the stress of the holidays interferes with their ability to enjoy them. 

So, we have some time-tested suggestions to tamp down the stress and usher in what should be the “hap-happiest season of all.” With a cue from another holiday tune, we give you this 12-day guide to ease the stress. And as you cross a task off your list at the end of each day, consider that a gift to yourself! 

“On the first day of Christmas, my HOME staff gave to me …” 

Day 1: Decorations 
When your home is filled with your favorite Christmas decorations, you’ll be more inclined to complete all of your other tasks. So start by organizing your décor. Sift the sentimental from the overused and “never used.” If it makes you smile (like my Santa music box from my childhood, or my kids’ homemade ornaments), it’s a keeper. Consider donating items to a school, church or nursing home; you may find someone who is delighted to use them right away! 

Day 2: Gift ideas 
Make a list of all the gifts you’ll need and simplify as helpful, such as giving all teachers the same item. Don’t forget gifts for party games, neighbors, coaches or hostess gifts. Write down specific ideas, where to buy them (browse store websites and online retailers) and the estimated cost. Consider the gift of time and fun, too, like tickets to an event or an art or cooking class. Try an app like Giftster that allows family members to share their wish lists with everyone and shop privately as you check items off — it even has a Secret Santa function! 

Day 3: Schedule it out 
Grab the calendar and plan all your family’s proposed festivities into the new year. Highlight which events are a definite “yes” for creating the holiday magic (family traditions you don’t want to break), and strike out any obligations you can skip. Plan ahead for travel as well. Make sure you have some free days sprinkled in for spontaneous ideas that could end up being the highlight of your holiday. (And don’t forget to make your pet accommodations if you’ll be traveling!)

Day 4: Yard décor
Be realistic about your Christmas curb appeal. Every year does not have to top the last. Ask yourself if you honestly have the time to do it all — without missing out on family meals or staying up late. Like your indoor decorations, sort, pare down and donate. If hanging the lights isn’t your favorite job, call a local company (many landscapers offer this service). 

Day 5: Shopping 
Armed with your list from Day 2, take this day to shop. Check off items you buy online and then organize your spree before you flee. Map out a route that makes sense without crisscrossing town. If your family does stocking stuffers, look for items to buy in bulk that you can split up. Make the day count by staying focused on your list and not wandering into stores “just to see what they have” (guilty party here; I’ve learned to postpone my browsing until after the holidays — less crowds, no time pressure and you’ll catch a lot of sales). 

Day 6: Deep clean 
The joke is you’re only a true clean freak if you take time to wash down your baseboards. Well, here’s the day to do it with no clichés involved. Focus on living and dining rooms (think spaces used for socializing) and the bathrooms. Wash windows and shampoo carpets. Prioritize washing your best towels and linens. Make sure the holiday playlist is turned up — mopping is always easier with Mariah along to keep you company. 

Day 7: Skip it
Give yourself a gift by outsourcing or skipping one Christmas chore or event altogether. If you were on the fence about a “To Do” item on Day 3, consider crossing it off and taking a big break. If you’ve already shopped and cleaned, you deserve it. Remember: not every tradition has to happen every year; enjoy a guilt-free day and relieve some of the mental load. 

Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Redmond

Day 8: Family fun 
Turn one item on your list into a shared family event. Editor Jennifer Redmond makes the annual Christmas card a fun family activity; while a Christmas movie plays in the background, everyone gets a job — her kids love to place the stamps, seal the envelopes and decorate them with fun stamps and stickers; the older girls even help address them. My family has done a gift-wrapping night. We have created custom wrapping paper by rolling out cheap brown poster paper and decorating it with Christmas stamps, stencils or paint sponges cut into star or tree shapes. We’ve also made gift tags out of last year’s Christmas cards. Maybe your family activity is baking treats to bring to the next party or to use as gifts. Whatever it may be, make some memories while working together! 

Day 9: Gift wrap 
If you didn’t take my idea for Day 8 already, then use this day to wrap all your gifts. Dedicate a spot and literally bring everything to the table. I use a basket as a caddy for all my gift wrap accessories — tape, curling ribbon, bows, gift tags and scissors. Having all of your supplies at hand will make it easier to stay focused. (Enjoy the process and set up a citrus simmer pot; click here for the recipe in our “Orange Aglow article.) 

12 DAYS TO CALM
DAY 1 — SORT OUT DECORATIONS
DAY 2 — MAKE A GIFT LIST
DAY 3 — SCHEDULE WHAT MATTERS
DAY 4 — PREP YARD DÉCOR
DAY 5 — SHOP WITH PURPOSE
DAY 6 — DEEP CLEAN THE HOUSE
DAY 7 — PICK SOMETHING TO OUTSOURCE
DAY 8 — DO A FUN FAMILY PROJECT
DAY 9 — WRAP THE GIFTS
DAY 10 — READY SPACE FOR GUESTS
DAY 11 — SELECT HOLIDAY CLOTHING
DAY 12 — PLAN MENUS & PREP INGREDIENTS

Day 10: Guest prep 
Prepare for guests by cleaning and replacing bedding and stocking the bathrooms with toiletries. Add little festive touches like decorative Christmas hand towels, pillows or even a small poinsettia. Clear enough space for suitcases and make sure to empty drawers and some clear closet space. Don’t forget your entryway! 

Day 11: Clothing 
There’s nothing that makes you feel more prepared than having all your laundry done. If there simply isn’t enough time, at least plan out your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day outfits and make sure they are clean.  

Day 12: Plan menus & meal prep 
Plan your menus for those special Christmas gatherings as well as the everyday meals. Stock up on items so you don’t lose time making frequent or last-minute grocery runs. Organize your shopping list into non-perishables, dairy and produce, so you don’t lose time in the store. Before you leave home, clean out the freezer and fridge. 

You can also prepare foods ahead of time. Our family’s morning tradition is having breakfast casserole that we assemble the day before and bake in the oven while we’re exchanging gifts. If you’re traveling or hosting family on Christmas Day, make and freeze some dishes (gravy, breads, pies); mix dry ingredients and store them until needed. Decide which serving dishes to use for which dishes, gather and label them. Click here for a full plan to optimize and refresh your pantry. ✦