Mum’s stress levels are generally high all year round, but Christmas time sends them sky high. A recent survey (June 2014) say that lack of time, financial worries and feeling out of balance are top of the list for feeling stressed and keeping them up at night. 46 per cent of mums felt that there wasn’t enough time to get everything done, and that’s without adding end of year celebrations, parties and Christmas planning to the list.
Here are my top 5 tips for busy mums to help make Christmas easier this year, to reduce the financial anxiety, stress and take control of the time leading up to the holidays.
- Start planning now!
Knowing what you need to do, as well as doing a little at a time takes a huge amount of pressure off. Planning your shopping, meals, making lists and taking the time to work out what you need will instantly help you feel more in control and cut out that last minute, just-in-case impulse buying. - Set budgets early and check online for pricing
The bonus of making your gift lists early is that you can save time and money by ordering online and shopping around – even if you pick up from a store. Many online stores have a price range you can select from, so utilise them to control your buying.Use catalogues in the mail for ideas, and shop around online while you can.
There are so many gorgeous decorations around, so be firm on buying only what you need, and looking around from Boxing Day to top up for next year.
- Set up a special Christmas Calendar
Set up a separate calendar for November/ December, so that you can plan your shopping days, schedule in parties, concerts, and know exactly when you can get everything done, like food shopping, card making, crafting handmade (cheaper) thank you gifts, clothes shopping for the extra parties. Don’t forget to schedule in time for planning too! - DIY
The beauty of getting organised early is that making something from scratch really saves money.
Use an online program like Canva, or even Word to post a photo, a scanned child’s drawing with a Christmas message, send them to a printer for printing, and post them off to your loved ones. It’s a lovely, cost effective and personal way to send cards.Baking or making a handmade gift is always a cheaper option, and perfect for thank you’s, unexpected drop in’s and grandparent gifts. Buy a packet of cellophane and some nice ribbon and get your little helper’s to pitch in with their creativity.
Remember – it’s the thought that counts, not how much you spend. - Don’t forget about taking care of you!
Getting to Christmas day feeling exhausted will make the day a struggle. Taking the ‘slow and steady’ approach to Christmas with extra planning can really take the stress out of it. Looking after yourself so that you don’t burn out is really important. Make sure you get some early nights, go for some walks, and chat with your friends.Let go of the need to have everything perfect and relax so that you can enjoy Christmas with your family.
I’m releasing my latest planner Easy Evernote Christmas Planner, an online and offline planner and organiser utilising Evernote. The planner has over 30 templates you need to get super-organised for Christmas this year.
Save every idea and access it on ANY device – offline or online.
Take your planner with you everywhere inspiration strikes, check your budgets, add to your list, upload photos you take of gifts you want for the kids, and email them to Grandma!
The Easy Evernote Christmas Planner is the perfect way to make Christmas easier this year.
Learn how to use Evernote to make the most of Christmas this here, by clicking the image above.
Get access to the 30+ templates and checklists in the Easy Evernote Christmas Planner for only $27 – or you can buy it direct
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