The Holidays are full of excitement! Our schedules overflow with parades, Christmas lights, time with friends and family, outings, shopping, opening presents, cooking, and more.
Honestly, as much fun as it can be, it’s also completely overwhelming.
A lot of the planning falls on Moms
(for the most part).
And that becomes exhausting!
It’s Ok to Say NO…
As Moms, we tend to say YES to all the things before they even happen. We like to plan ahead and have our calendar full.
And when we get to the event that we said YES to… we are too tired, too overwhelmed,
or just don’t want to go. And that’s OK!
It’s better to say NO, then go miserable and not in a great mood.
It’s ok to say NO to…
The Holiday party if you’re exhausted from a full day of family fun.
Christmas Cards this year (we did!).
An entire day with extended family.
Your kids if you just need a break.
Social media to be more present with your family (I plan to).
Writing thank you notes this year.
Cooking the main course at the Holiday gathering. (ask for help!)
Give yourself permission to say NO. You don’t have to feel bad about it.
You’re setting a boundary for yourself to not burn out.
Take Time for YOU
Don’t forget to schedule time for YOU during this busy season. It’s the end of the year and you deserve to take a break.
You deserve to do something you want to do.
You NEED time to refuel.
Do something you ENJOY- whether it’s rest, time away, or doing something fun with friends.
If you can manage to get away for an entire day- plan a SELF CARE DAY. Get a massage, pedicure, grab lunch at your favorite spot, meet up with a friend. Go KID FREE!
If an entire day isn’t manageable, take an hour or two. Go for a walk, watch a good movie, eat ice cream.
Again, you deserve it and should not feel guilty for taking time for YOU!
5 Decluttering Tips to Prep for Christmas 🎄
Not to add MORE to your To Do List the week before Christmas- but these literally don’t take much time at all! And they will help you start 2023 Clutter Free! Plus, you can totally save this for later and do after Christmas.
1️⃣Sort Paper Clutter
Mail, bills, kids artwork, school papers, etc.
Save, trash, recycle.
Make a decision and do it!
2️⃣Donate Clothing
This doesn’t have to take long.
You probably don’t even have to try it on because you already know...
What haven’t you worn this season?
Does it still fit?
Get rid of it!
3️⃣Clear Off Counters
Find a home for all the things. The papers, dishes, toys, random stuff. Make this a nightly routine. Having clean counters can literally give you peace of mind. Get rid of the visual overstimulation!
4️⃣Toss Expired Items from Kitchen
This is a must have especially for those hosting over the Holidays. Go through your fridge and pantry and toss it. Leftovers and expired items. Donate any food you know you won’t eat by the end of the year. It’s just taking up space!
5️⃣Clear Space for New Toys
Yes, this does mean getting rid of SOME (not all) toys.
Do your kids even play with it?
Is it age appropriate?
Donate to others this season.
Make room for the new toys you know are coming.
Pick ONE tip each day.
Set a 20 minute timer ⏱️.
Get it done! ✅ (Done is better than perfect)
If you need extra help decluttering kids’ toys
Don’t Forget to Check In
Don’t forget to check in with loved ones that are spending this time of year alone or are grieving a loss of a loved one.
If someone comes to mind, take time to check in.
Take time to send the text, make the phone call,
and just say hi, how are you?
It can make a huge difference!
This time of year isn’t easy and joyful for everyone.
I know so many people battling divorces, mental health crises, anxiety, depression, PPD.
It’s time to…
Reach out
Raise awareness
Show kindness
Spread love
Be the support
With the loss of my grandmother this past week it really puts so much into perspective this Holiday season. It reminds me what is important, what can wait, and to share the love. My grandmother always wanted everyone to just get along. She wanted the world to be a better, kinder place. She was my prayer warrior and now my guardian angel. Hug your family a little tighter this year!
What Does the New Year Mean to You?
As we close the end of 2022, don’t forget to take time to reflect on this past year.
Let go of things that don’t really matter.
Choose to go into 2023 with clarity, a vision, and a fresh start.
So, I want to ask YOU...
What does the New Year mean to you?
A time to…
Reset, recharge, and relax
Reinvent yourself
Set goals and resolutions
Reflect on this past year
Pick a One Word
Spend time with friends and family
Celebrate new beginnings
Clear the clutter
Create new memories
Every year since 2012, I have picked a One Word to focus on for the year. I also do an end of the year reflection (click here for the best personal retreat), which helps me pick my word and process all the things from the previous year. (I’ll hop on and write a New Blog in 2023 all about this, so stay tuned!)
I would love to hear what you do to prepare for the New Year!
and share what New Years means to you… I can’t wait to see!
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