14 Things To Do In November To Banish Holiday Stress

How Can I Avoid Stress During the Holiday Season?

Holiday stress kills the joy of Christmas.

And I feel it every December, as I’m staying up late putting together cards or buying gifts.

Of course, the holidays are fun and magical. It’s a beautiful time to be together! BUT…

We also have extra obligations and responsibilities. Furthermore, we put TONS of pressure on ourselves to make the time special for our families. And sometimes our expectations are unrealistic.

As a result, it can feel more like a crazy sprint than a sweet memory-building time.

So, today we are looking out for your mental health. We’ve got easy things to do in November, so that you avoid holiday stress later on.

Then, you’ll have more time to focus on what matters: those family and friends you love. Isn’t that what the holidays are SUPPOSED to be about?

14 Actions for November to Avoid Holiday Stress

These November things to do are all helpful in different ways to relieve overwhelm next month.

But, it’s not necessary to do all of them! Consider what overwhelms you the most, and focus on those categories.

1. GET AHEAD ON GIFTS

First, Simplify

First, focus on how you can simplify gifts this year. Instead of buying for everyone, could you…

• Draw names?
• Share an experience together?
• Do a White Elephant Exchange?
• Or eliminate some gifts altogether?

Second, Organize

Next, make a list of people you need gifts for.

Third, Shop NOW.

Brainstorm ideas or begin shopping as early as possible. For example, I buy gifts for my December birthdays in November, as well as presents I know I’ll need every year for Christmas. That means the Christmas Eve Box and an ornament for the friend exchange are done early.

2. PLAN QUICK & EASY MEALS

Being healthy is so stinking HARD during the holidays. Even when we aren’t at events, we are too tired and busy to cook much.

So, gather a list of quick and healthy meal ideas. Then, stick it on the fridge for those busy nights ahead when you need something simple!

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3. DOUBLE DINNERS NOW

Now, take that meal planning a step further! Double a few dinners that you’re already making in November. Then, freeze the extra for December.

You won’t regret those freezer meals when you’re spending the night making gingerbread houses instead of cooking. 🙂

4. CONSIDER YOUR HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

We live for traditions this time of year. It’s those unique activities that bring us together and strengthen our bonds. So, think and plan for a FEW holiday traditions you want to do with your family (don’t go overboard here!)

Now, what can you do to prep ahead?

Mark down when you will start them.

You’ll have a quick and easy reference to alleviate holiday stress!

5. STOCK UP

Decide on the food you want to make for the holidays NOW and keep an eye out for sales.

We make the same incredible dairy-free artichoke dip every year, so I just bought a huge bag of cashews on sale. Not only does this save money, but I’ll have less to buy later when EVERYONE is out at the stores.

*The same applies to alcoholic beverages! Often, you can find coupons for your local liquor store and stock up at one time.

Related Post: A Free Thanksgiving Menu Planner Printable

6. COMPLETE PESKY TASKS

Deep cleaning and household projects never get done in December. It’s a given.

So, fix that broken cabinet. Or clean out the oven. Complete any necessary honey-do tasks that will really bother you later when you’d rather be basking in holiday magic.

7. DO CARDS BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS

Take family or pet photos, and put together your cards before Thanksgiving. (Be sure to save addresses from year to year to make it easy!)

Those cards will be ready to send out at a moment’s notice, and your holiday stress will be long gone.

Not going to happen? Skip cards altogether this year. It will be ok, I promise.

8. PREPARE TO DELEGATE

The holiday work is often put squarely on mom’s shoulders. Which, seems a little unfair, no?

So, think NOW about what tasks others can do to pitch in.

If you host the holidays, be sure to assign everyone at least one dish to bring. Then, can your husband be in charge of purchasing certain gifts? Or make that special side dish HE loves on Thanksgiving? Could you give the kids clean-up jobs to ease your burden?

Get creative and make a list now!

Related Post: 11 Time Valuable Time Management Tools For Successful Women

9. FIND THE MONEY

There’s no doubt about it, the holidays are expensive.

So, decide now (while there’s less temptation) how much money you’re devoting to holiday spending, and figure out where that money is coming from.

Short on cash? Try a one-week spending freeze! Buy nothing for 7 days (or only fresh produce). No eating out. No Starbucks. No impulse purchases. Make do with what you have. It’s only for 7 days!

After, use the money saved as your holiday fund! We all spend money without thinking, so you may be SHOCKED at how much you can save with just one week. Do this as one of your things to do in November, and you’ll be so much less stressed about money for the holidays!

Related Post: 25 Easy Money Saving Tips for the Holidays

10. CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE

We often overcommit during the holidays. So again, when in doubt, simplify.

First, glance ahead at the calendar. Of course, plan some amazing holiday traditions, but be sure to schedule time in between for downtime!

Additionally, December is not the time to commit to more kids’ extracurriculars or extra work responsibilities. In November, look ahead to make sure you don’t schedule anything unnecessary. Remember, those things will still be around in January.

11. GIVE EARLY

Oh gosh, I know the holiday season is the time for giving, but it’s usually too much for me to process with everything else going on.

So make November the time to discuss holiday giving and do it early, before the hustle and bustle arrives. Alternatively, you can give at a different time of year!

Related Post: 9 Giving Christmas Traditions to Start With Your Family

12. DECLUTTER

The holidays always bring lots of new STUFF, so make room NOW.

While you have the time, make a “garage sale” or “Goodwill” pile. Cleaning out ahead of time keeps you from feeling overwhelmed when you add in your new goodies.

Related Post: 21 Ways To Simplify Your Life: Start Now!

13. CREATE A SICK KIT

Ugh, flu season. Whether we like it or not, it usually starts around November and December. So, take a few minutes to stock up on Tylenol, cold medicine, and the basics. (In my house, everything in our cabinet is usually expired by now. So this avoids last-minute panic trips.)

14. MAKE LISTS

Finally, make lists to get organized using the suggestions above!

Just getting organized will ease the holiday tension later.

Something To Consider With Holiday Stress

Make this holiday season DIFFERENT.

In December, be less worried about what you need to do and more into the smiles on your loved ones’ faces. Actually HAVE the kind of holiday season you’ve been dreaming about with these small but mighty November action tasks.

Cheers to a fabulous, stress-free time of year!

And, don’t forget the ebook when planning for the holidays! This is one essential piece to a relaxed and fun holiday season. Get it HERE!

What do you think? What are other things to do in November to overcome holiday stress?

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