Why does December seem so important? Yes, it’s the holiday season and the end of the year. Does the fact that we’re at the end make us feel like we’re running out of time? Apparently, all December does is make me question everything, haha. It seems like the holiday prep falls on women, wives, moms, sisters, aunts, grandmas; should I go on? (Another question) From the holiday decorations to gift-giving to family and friend gatherings, it can seem overwhelming, but if we don’t do it, who will?
This year, I’ve thought long and hard about how I will not sacrifice my peace for the holiday season, and I had an Eureka moment. I decided to create a checklist and set a time limit for it to ensure a stress-free December. So, this is for the ladies who want to enjoy the holidays, not just survive them.
The 60-Minute Home Reset (Budget Decor)
First, let’s take on holiday decor. Set your budget, which can be on the low end or high end. Save where you can, such as using the decorations you have stored away or shopping for holiday sales on basic Christmas necessities. I personally don’t mind buying used items if they are still in good condition, but I will spend where I have to, like on my Christmas tree. Check this one out. If you have tall ceilings, as we do, you need a piece like this for the kids, of course. Or you could save yourself the headache and get a pre-lit beauty.
I will say that something that saves me a lot of time is Walmart delivery. I cannot tell you how happy and relieved I am that I don’t have to go pick up all my decorations. They will all be delivered to my house, saving me a great deal of time and stress. They literally have everything you will need to decorate your home.
You can often find people offering their decorations for free on Facebook Marketplace if you’re on a tight budget. I have also found some amazing holiday decor at my local thrift store, so give those a try; it can be fun to go on the hunt.
I have recently found a great tip for decorating. It’s called the “One-Corner Rule”. Essentially, it focuses all your decorating energy on one cozy corner, like the mantle or a nook. Apparently, this maximizes visual impact with minimal clutter. But before we begin decorating, we have to declutter the house. You can download my digital holiday declutter checklist below.
15-Minute Holiday Clutter Quick-Clear Checklist
Now that you have decluttered the house, set aside some time to decorate it. Don’t think you have to do it all in one day. Set aside a couple of hours a day, and then stick to it. Pick it up again the following day. Allowing yourself the time to decorate can do a great deal for your mental well-being. It can really take the pressure off.
90-Minute Kitchen Commander (Meal Planning)
The next one is a no-brainer: meal prep. Breathe, this isn’t an elaborate meal prep. Remember, you are in control here. You get to choose how hard or easy you want these meals to be. Before you shy away from meal planning, my advice is this: do it. It will save you time and energy, which, in turn, will free up mental space. Another tip for my hard-working ladies is to schedule a “Kitchen Close Day” at least one day a week, where you take a non-negotiable break and commit to leftovers or takeout. Thank me later.
Here are three Freezer-Friendly Meals: Healthy Breakfast Burritos/Wraps, Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili, Healthy Chicken & Veggie Bake.
Refuel YOUR Soul (Self-Care)
Society will have you believing that self-care is a luxury when in fact it’s non-negotiable. Taking care of yourself should be at the top of your list. It doesn’t mean you have to go out and spend any money (unless you want to). It just means taking some time for yourself. For me, it’s reading for 30 minutes in my favorite spot or putting on my headphones and journaling. It can also mean just vegging out and rotting on the couch. If it helps refuel your soul, that’s all that matters.
Prepared for a stress-free December
So, there you go. By investing three hours of your day upfront and planning, you have saved yourself a significant amount of time and stress. I will also let you in on something that may not have occurred to you. Gift yourself a Christmas decorator. You can find plenty at various price points and find one that suits your budget. This little tip has made my holiday season magical. Oh, and if you’re unsure what to gift your significant other, here are some amazing ideas he is sure to love!
Don’t forget to download your checklist.
I love you. Happy decorating.
#walmartcreator
