To help with the overwhelm of life, especially in full seasons with lots of responsibilities and hats I wear, I found that creating a RHYTHM is the key.
A rhythm is different than a routine, in that it’s not super rigid and structured. In the case of my holiday rhythm, I have a list of things I like to do “early” each year. As a result, I am less stressed throughout the season! I don’t do these in a particular order, but my goal is to reduce the overwhelm by getting some of these things done before the season is upon us.
I’ll share my list here, and include some links as well!
Holiday to do early
- get Christmas card photo taken
- Christmas card list updated
- Order Christmas cards
- outdoor Christmas lights instal scheduled
- Christmas wish list for kids to grandparents
- Kids gifts from us planned
- Teacher gifts ordered
- Neighbor gift ideas
- Order matching kids Christmas jammies
- buy Santas wonderland tickets *local fun event!
- Nutcracker tickets/plans made with grandmothers
- Advent study purchased
- Get decor from storage unit
- secret Santa drawing (with siblings)
- Christmas outfits for kids
- Wrapping paper purchased
As you can see, some of these things are traditions we do each year – sending Christmas cards, going to the Nutcracker, wearing matching Christmas jammies, making treats for our neighbors, drawing for secret Santa gifts with my siblings and their significant others, etc.
Traditions are so fun because you do them year after year, and it takes so much overwhelm away with trying to come up with a “plan” each year. So while these traditions work for us, they might not be for you but the goal is to think ahead!
If you don’t have any holiday traditions, make it a goal to add ONE this year! This is really helpful for your mental energy, your budget, and your sanity.
Wouldn’t it feel so good to get your holiday shopping done soon, so you can spend the holiday season cozy up by the fire, sipping hot coco, and spending quality time with your family?!
How do you prep for the holidays? If you share your holiday rhythms on instagram, be sure to tag me! @wynneelder
Hey, I'm Wynne!
Hi, friend! First, I truly am so giddy that you are here. I want you to know I believe in you and all the ways you are growing towards living a more intentional life. I genuinely hope you are encouraged from our time together here.
A little about me, I’m a type 7 on the enneagram, a total extrovert + people lover, entrepreneur, connector, storyteller, people gatherer, and passionate wife, mama + friend. I feel most alive when I’m exploring new places and surrounded by people I love. Give me a day in the outdoors disconnected from wifi, and I am a happy girl. I run on oat milk lattes, Jesus, gratitude journaling and kitchen dance parties with my four kids.
Welcome, come on in!