Holiday Ready: Your Guide to Getting into the Holiday Spirit (and staying there!)
“ Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire:
it is the time for home.”— Edith Sitwell
Alright, folks, it's that time of the year again—holiday season is upon us! So, let's chat about prepping for the festive fiesta without turning it into a full-blown winter whirlwind. Here's your easy-breezy guide to keep the stress levels low and the holiday vibes high.
Plan
First things first – game plan. Jot down your budget, scribble a list of gifts, dream up your feast, and, most importantly, schedule some 'you' time. Budget? Check. Gift list? Sorted. Menu for the feast of the century? You got it.
A plan makes you the holiday hero without the unnecessary chaos. A little planning now means a lot more ho-ho-ho later.
Here are a few budget hacks to keep your holidays bright (and your wallet in tact):
Set a budget for each person and stick to it!
Do your best to avoid impulse buys
Start shopping as early as possible
Shop around for the best deal
Opt for homemade and handmade
Give the gift of experiences (most people, especially children, would prefer your time over a physical gift)
Download our free holiday checklist here to help with your holiday planning.
Me-Time
In the whirlwind of holiday prep, don't forget – sneak in moments of self-care. A cocoa break, a winter stroll, or a chapter of your fave book –these are the twinkling lights that keep your holiday spirit bright.
Gift Prep
Gifts, gifts, gifts. Start early, think outside the gift-wrapped box (DIY, anyone?), and let your creative wrapping skills shine. Support local gems, and remember, it's not just a gift; it's an experience wrapped in love. Speaking of love, why not spread the love and get ahead of Valentine’s Day by getting matching family t-shirts. They make a great stocking stuffer!
Why not Gift a thoughtful act of service in lieu of a physical present? Gift-giving is often a source of joy for both the giver and the receiver, but the cost of buying gifts can add up quickly and accumulate unnecessary waste. One way to preserve the joy of giving without the burden of purchasing presents is by offering someone a service as an alternative to buying them something.
Here are some ideas…
Cleaning someone’s home
Shovelling snow
Taking family photos
Teaching them a craft or skill
Baking holiday treats
Hosting a meal or gathering
Performing yard work
Offer a night of babysitting (this is the favourite of many)
Download our free holiday shopping checklist here to help with your holiday purchases.
Decorate
Time to transform your space into a cozy wonderland. Recycle last year's gems, throw in some DIY magic, and maybe pick a theme. Whether it's winter wonderland or Santa's surf shack or Classic red and green. Let your creativity run wild; this is your home's time to shine. Maybe add some delicious holiday scents into your home. Check out some of my favourites from the doTERRA Holiday Collection.
Food Prep
Plan your feast ahead of time, cater to different taste buds, and explore new recipes. Enlist some kitchen elves (willing family members) to help. Cooking is a party, and you're the head chef! Oh, and don’t forget the festive holiday drinks.
Traditions, Baby!
Gingerbread house nights, Hallmark movie marathons, or Christmas carols all night long—holiday traditions are the secret sauce. Traditions are the glitter that sticks to your holiday memories. You could dust off the oldies, create some newbies, and soak in the warmth of these memory-makers.
Schedule
Got invites rolling in like a snowball fight? Prioritise your RSVPs. Quality over quantity, my friends. It's your holiday too, so don’t be afraid to politely bail on events that'll turn you into a stress snowman.
Pause the present-wrapping for a sec. Take a breath, and soak in the holiday spirit. Be thankful for the family, the little moments, the big things, all the things in between and the joy of the season. A heart full of gratitude is the real holiday magic.
As you dive into this holiday season with your game plan and a heart full of cheer, remember – it's not about the perfect prep but the joy of the ride. Unwrap the fun, savour every moment, soak in the season, and let the holidays be a celebration of love, warmth, and all the simple joys that make this time worthwhile.
