3 Smart Ways to Create Harmony and Avoid Holiday Burnout
Does the holiday season bring you joy or stress? Many of the women I work with have mixed emotions when it comes to the season of shop-until-you-drop, otherwise known as the Winter Holiday Season. Multitasking, budget juggling, running on empty, oh my! With endless to-do lists and stretching your budget to the breaking point, the joy of the season can get buried by financial stress and overwhelm.
Growing up, Christmas was “an adventure”. My mom had a big heart and wanted to make everything perfect. Often her good intentions turned into a last-minute scramble of shopping, wrapping, and stress. Watching her work herself into a frenzy taught me one thing: there’s got to be a better way! As high-achieving women, we understand the desire to create magical holidays for our family but often end up frazzled and overwhelmed.
Whether you’re preparing for Christmas, Hanukkah, or other seasonal holidays, we can all agree on one thing: this is probably the busiest and most expensive time of the year. There’s no question that the days between Thanksgiving and New Years are hectic. Having a long to-do list with little time is exhausting.
Good news: It doesn’t have to be this way!
The winter holiday season arrives at the same time every year—like clockwork. And sure enough, stores and e-commerce sites start pushing their 'friendly reminders' earlier and earlier each season. Holiday décor before Halloween? Please, stop the madness – UGGH, it’s so annoying!
Instead of letting this relentless commercialism drive you bananas, shift your mindset from "my holiday clock is ticking like this ..." to "YES! I’ve got this!"
Oh, and by the way… your home doesn’t have to look like a Hallmark holiday movie set… (just sayin’)
Pro tip: How? Plan ahead. 10 minutes of planning can save hours of your precious time. Not to mention energy, money, and most importantly, your sanity.
I watched my mom wing it every year. She’d end up buying anything at any price because the “perfect” gift wasn’t available. Every Christmas she’d announce, “Next year I’m going to get organized”, and well…
The holiday season will be at your doorstep whether you’re ready or not. By empowering yourself with a solid plan, you'll be happier, and avoid impulse buys and last-minute shopping. Those greedy merchants are counting on you to show up unprepared and desperate. Plan your work, work your plan and take back your power!
Here are three great planning tips to help you bring harmony to your schedule and balance to your budget so your holiday season is stress and debt-free:
- Make a List
- Create a list of all the tasks that must be done to craft your personal holiday experience.
- Review the list and decide what can be delegated. Remember, you don’t have to do it all yourself!
- Delegate accordingly, and only do what you can do.
- Make a budget and a gift list.
- Create a spreadsheet with 3 columns
- Who to buy for
- What to buy
- How much to spend
- Include non-gift spending like décor, hosting, and travel expenses.
- Keep your list with you when you shop.
- Record as you go so you stay on track.
- Check It Twice
You don’t have to rely on the Black Friday hype to find a good deal.
- Use online shopping sites to compare prices. Many sites let you save items to a “Holiday Wish List” so you can pause before buying. This not only helps you find the best deals but also gives you time to think about your choices.
- Search online for coupons or use apps like Groupon, Rakuten, and others.
- Store digital coupons on apps like “Wallet” to ensure you don’t forget to use them.
- Not all gifts have to be store-bought. Consider homemade gifts for a personal touch.
- Not crafty? No problem! Think of lending a hand to someone who could use your help. Consider offering a service such as babysitting, running errands, or pet sitting.
- Tech-savvy? You could offer to teach a skill, such as smartphone tips, social media, or other tech tools. This is priceless to older folks who want to stay connected to family and friends but feel tech-challenged.
- Naughty or Nice?
How did you do? Review what worked and capture it in a holiday planning journal for future years. Does something need improvement? Capture what you wish you did differently while it’s fresh in your mind.
Once you finish your holiday tasks, embrace the joy and true spirit of the season—all while knowing you’ve kept your finances in check and your stress levels low.
Your Holiday Takeaway
As you plan this season, ask yourself: What matters most to me during the holidays? Is it the perfect gift, or is it the time spent creating memories with loved ones?
While my mom’s holiday approach was a bit chaotic, the love and effort she poured into the season left a lasting impression. Now, I’ve found a balance that works for me—combining her heart with a touch of organization.
Remember, the holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection. Give yourself permission to embrace simplicity, stay within your means, and savor the moments that bring you joy. The best gift you can give is a calm, present, and happy you.
So here’s to experiencing a holiday season filled with joy, intention, and memories that truly matter. Cheers!
Bio: Therese Nicklas, CFP®, CMC® and Certified Success Coach. Her Wealth Coaching system coaches women toward a life and career they love by providing a customized step-by-step plan with 1:1 coaching. Women learn to identify their success blocks, and confidently make decisions that transform their life. They design their next chapter with a life and career that lights them up. It’s one of "true wealth" - what money can't buy. A life filled with joy, purpose, and balance. Want to learn how she can help you? Click here to schedule your free strategy session.