I am so honored to have Kristin from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia posting here today. Kristin’s gorgeous blog was one of the very first blogs I ever visited. She has a tremendous knack for making things both timeless and beautiful. You are in for quite a treat if you haven’t visited her blog already.
As I was thinking about this post I giggled a bit as I tried to think of something I do for myself during the holidays. I thought about it and nothing came to mind, I poured a cup of tea, nothing came to mind, I stared out the window, nothing came to mind.
Sound Familiar?
So then how could I possibly write about something that just doesn’t take place? You know what, it’s OK! There are so many things I do to make the holidays run smooth in our house so I don’t feel overwhelmed. All of the planning pays off in the end, Christmas day is my haven, sharing the day with the most important people in my life, my family!
In addition my husband’s company always throws their holiday party in January during his birthday weekend. We take full advantage! My wonderful family takes care of the kids and we enjoy an adult weekend!
In addition my husband’s company always throws their holiday party in January during his birthday weekend. We take full advantage! My wonderful family takes care of the kids and we enjoy an adult weekend!
So today I’ll share with you how I have simplified the holidays over the years so I can truly enjoy my time spent with family and friends and not feel stressed.
Decorate~I decorate as I feel like it; I don’t give myself a time frame. I start pulling things from the attic after thanksgiving and set them out as time allows.
Delegate~ No, you don’t have to do it all by yourself! I have a fabulous husband that helps out. For Christmas dinner I make everyone bring a dish and beverage. That way I only have to concentrate on a really yummy main dish.
Plan~If things are planned out I know what I need to do and how much time I need to put aside
Simplify~ We used to try and make the “rounds”. Instead of spending time with our family we were out driving from one house to the next. Now we have Christmas Eve at our house, all are welcome. Christmas day we hang out with the kids all day. We meet our neighbors outside for a champagne brunch while the kids play in the cul-de-sac. (A perk of living in San Diego) We usually will BBQ something later that day; it’s all about relaxing and spending time together.
Money~Don’t break the bank! On my side of the family we draw names from a hat for our gift exchange. On my husbands side we only buy for the kids. Christmas is about time spent with family not going in debt.
Learn to say no~ If I said yes to every invite I would have no time to spend with my family. People will understand!
Take back your holidays and simplify them. Make this year the start of a stress-free and meaningful Christmas so you can truly reflect on what is important in life, family!
When things do get a little stressed I just remember what I have coming to me, a weekend alone with my hubby!
Thank you Courtney for having me!
Happy Holidays!
XOXO
KristinThank you, Kristin! Fantastic advice! I hope you enjoy every second with your adorable family in sunny San Diego!
When things do get a little stressed I just remember what I have coming to me, a weekend alone with my hubby!
Thank you Courtney for having me!
Happy Holidays!
XOXO
KristinThank you, Kristin! Fantastic advice! I hope you enjoy every second with your adorable family in sunny San Diego!
I second everything Kristin said! And how fabulous is that to have a champagne brunch with the neighbors??!! The weekend with the hubby is so awesome- was just thinking today, that at the end of the day, it's gonna be just me and him, so it's so important to give the relationship the attention is deserves!
I agree also. I am a decorate as I go kind of person and enjoy it so much more than trying to get everything finished at one time. Christmas is about family and that it where the focus should be.
Great post! I too agree. We are definitely simplifying things this year too.
Great read!! So jealous of your weekend alone with the hubby : )
Paula
Love this post – well said, Kristin! This is a great series, Courtney.
Agreed! It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas and forget what it truly important about it!
What wonderful advice!!! Learning to say 'No' was my resolution last year…amazing how much smoother life runs when you only commit to the things that matter most to your family!
Thanks for the post Courtney and Kristin!
I with Kristin– I'm definitely a planner! Great tips to stay calm during the Holidays! And I love Kristin, too! (:
Great advice! I agree that it's all about spending time with family and friends. We are so much more into simplifying this year. Wonderful tips, Kristin, and a great series, Courtney!
Great ideas Kristin! I like to get things done early as well so I can spend time enjoying what I have! Learning to say "no" is my biggest issue though but I am learning and finding that is ok!
I am so going with you on your weekend! Loving those gorgeous pics!! 🙂
Hi Courtney-
Thanks so much for adding me to your fun series! Can't wait to see the rest! I'm dying to see the "bench"
XO
Kristin
So very true…Ive simplified my holiday but cutting back the decorating and doing more with my husband and children to include them in the process instead of me stressing over it. It's all about family.
Really great advice, we do it very similar, although we move interstate every couple of years, so it's all or nothing with extended family. This year, home with our 4 children, then heading to visit family 300km away a few days after Christmas, ahhhhh, relaxing, i love it!! Love Posie
Excellent take on the holidays! Spending time with family instead or running to every little Christmas party sounds a lot more peaceful. I'm usually frazzled so think I'll heed a little of your advice. Nice that you have a neighborhood that just throws a joint get together. Our neighbors do the same.
I'm going to make my hubby read this post, haha. Your getaway sounds amazing!
Wonderful series, Courtney!
Wonderfu series, Courney and I love Kristins advice, very practical and down to earth, she is a gal with a good head on her shoulders. Merry Christmas,
Kathysue
Good ideas Kristin!
Great post!!! This was perfect timing. I usually bake cookies from scratch starting in December and keep it a cookie jar filled all season long. Ummm…haven't started. And you know what…I am ok with it.
I do have a plan…and it is always a GREAT backup…premade dough. 🙂 I usually ALWAYS have that too during December. I plan to remedy that tomorrow.
Cheers~
e