We all love the holidays, right? Beautiful decorations, delicious food, relaxing times before and after the meals with friends and family, playing games, watching the little ones play, listening to beautiful, calming music…

Does any of that sound like your typical Thanksgiving or Christmas? You are probably in the minority if it does!  

I have found some ways to really destress the holidays. With our large family (generally 10-15 people at any gathering), it can get a bit overwhelming! The last few years I have been intentional about making it less stressful for myself so I can actually ENJOY the family, food, and fun times. I want to share a few of my favorite ideas to help you destress your holidays, too!

One of the first things I do is make plans. I plan out what I want to provide for meals, what I want others to bring (yes, I do ask guests to contribute!), how much prep I can do in advance, what is REALLY necessary and what isn’t. Then I shop. At least 3 days in advance. That way, if I find I forgot something, I’m not running to the store last minute!

As for meals, I plan a menu that can be mostly prepped (and cooked if possible) in advance. I get all the chopping, cutting, even some of the baking done a couple of days before. Since we eat pretty healthy, even during the holidays, I tend to have snacks and appetizers ready so we just pull them out of the fridge when we want to munch. It’s easy to have all the veggies prepped and ready to cook last minute. I bake the gf/df pies at least one day in advance. The less last-minute cooking I have to do, the better!

I ask the adult kids (and friends) to each bring one dish for the main meal, or an appetizer tray or dessert. This really takes the burden off of the host (ME!) and insures that everyone gets at least one dish that they really like!

By doing so much prep work, I am able to relax a bit the day prior, get a good night’s sleep, and be ready for the big day in the morning.  Our family tends to congregate in the kitchen, so there is always lots of help available. I also ask some of the more creative to do the table setting/decorating. Then, those who aren’t quite so creative or interested in helping with the cooking, I ask to help with the cleanup and dishes. It is a family affair, and I believe that means the entire family pitches in!

If you aren’t able to do a lot of prep in advance, be sure to give yourself enough time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most of the time people WANT to help, they just don’t know where or how, so give them some options!

Allow yourself the time to sit after dinner and relax. Someone else can definitely do the cleanup. You deserve to enjoy a bit of family time, so make it happen. Don’t be a victim to the “I should” or “no one else will do it right” mentality. It isn’t about the perfect decorations or perfect meal. It is about celebrating the love and appreciation for family and friends. 

Next week I will be providing some easy and healthy recipes you can try for your Thanksgiving & Christmas meals! Be sure to come back for those!