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Here we are, almost at the close of another year. Where does the time go? I feel like I just finished planning last year’s holiday dinners. And when I say dinners, I’m talking about birthdays (kids and adults), Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day dinner.

I also come front a very large Italian family. Growing up, Christmas was a huge event. All my aunts would be in the kitchen in the basement of my great grandma’s house cooking and baking, washing dishes, setting out the many tables for us all to sit and have dinner together. With the three generations of family, we were about 60! Imagine pulling that off!

I learned a lot from those days, although I didn’t know it at the time. I was too busy waiting for Santa.

What did I learn? Well for one thing, don’t do it all yourself. Second is plan, plan and did I say plan.

Planning is key to not get overwhelmed, which leads to forgetting stuff and also making bad decisions. Ever run out for that last minute gift because either you forgot about them or didn’t know what to buy? What happened? You were at the crazy mall at the last second, bought whatever you could find and probably spent more than you wanted to. Sounds right?

Now I’m going to share with you those tips on how to stay stress free during this holiday season.

Tip # 1 Plan Your Menu

First and foremost, think about what you want to make. Plan the appetizers, the main course(s), the sides and the desserts.

If you’re sharing in the cooking, assign who brings what and whatever is left for you, write it in a meal planner.

Tip # 2 Make a grocery list

Once the meal has been planned, this is the time to write the grocery list this way ingredients aren’t missed.

Check the grocery store ads and start purchasing the non-perishables.

About two weeks before Thanksgiving and Christmas, the stores usually put the most popular items on sale. Grab them while you can and don’t forget your coupons!

A few days before the big day get the fresh vegetables and any other fresh ingredients you’re using.

Tip #3 Make the gift list

So back to the lists. To alleviate the gift giving “what am I getting (fill in the blank) for Christmas this year”, have them make their list of what they want.

What I do is have the kids make their list and I share those lists with the siblings, and we coordinate who is buying what. I know it sounds like a lot of coordination but in the end, you’ll have a clear list of what you’re buying. Plus, there’s time to comparison shop and if you’re online shopping there is enough time for delivery and wrapping.

Tip # 4 Make the decorations list

While we’re on the subject of wrapping and lists, now’s the time to take a look at what decorations you may need: wrapping paper, gift tags, Christmas cards, gift boxes, serving trays and platters and any craft supplies you may need to make it a unique day.

I usually stick to the same color theme each year, but I change up the way the tree is decorated by adding ribbon or hanging the garland in a different way. I do pick up a couple of new ornaments every year to reflect my personality or my creative mood at the time.

Tip # 5 The to-do list

This is the list of all lists. The to-do list.

What’s great about this is you can delegate. Tree and decorations need to be taken out of the attic? Delegate. Lights need to be hung outside? Delegate. House needs to be cleaned. Delegate rooms to family members.

This is how it goes down in my house. My daughter and I do the decorating. The boys are responsible for their rooms and their bathroom. I make sure the main seating area and bathroom are clean. I also have kitchen duty. The cooking! Clean-up is then my daughter’s responsibility.

Tip # 6 Don’t forget self care

All this prep work to help make sure the holiday’s go smoothly leaves time for some self-care and fun. The whole point is to be with family and enjoy what this season really means.

Unfortunately, we get too caught up in trying to get everything done or stressing out about making it the “perfect” season. Perfect doesn’t always happen so just focus on what’s truly important.

Take the time to do some baking with the kids or watching holiday movies and drinking hot chocolate. Try some Yoga or meditation for relaxation. Hit the gym to burn those calories. No gym membership, check out my post on exercises you can do at home. or do whatever you like to do to relax and unwind. Just make sure you do it.

I really hope you find these tips helpful at keeping the upcoming holiday season less stressful. Remember, don’t sweat the small stuff, plan ahead, enlist help and make time for yourself.