10 Things NOT to Add to Your Holiday To-Do List

If the burden of making the holidays magical for your family is wearing you down, it might be time to undo some of those to-do lists.

Saying yes to every calendar invite or volunteer opportunity

There’s no shortage of holiday parties, recitals, family gatherings, work functions, and charity events this time of year. It’s easy to RSVP early on because it sounds fun or you don’t want to miss something that might turn into an amazing holiday memory. But when you limit the number of activities you plan to attend, you’ll have more time and space to relax and just be with your family.

Going into debt trying to make the holidays special

Don’t let consumerism overshadow the true sentiment of this season. When your holiday expense list exceeds your monthly budget, scale back. An affirmation to keep in mind is that people are more important than things.

Clinging to traditions that no longer serve you

Your extended family’s annual ski trip is amazing, but it doesn’t work out so well now that you have a new baby. Give yourself permission to skip a year or two without feeling guilty. On the flip side, if you used to spend Christmas away from family and feel the need to be close, do it! Don’t get so hung up on how you’ve always done things that you miss the chance to start new (or temporary) traditions.monthly budget, scale back. An affirmation to keep in mind is that people are more important than things.

Trying to do everything yourself

Don’t let mother = martyr. Your job isn’t to guarantee everyone has the perfect Christmas. If you don’t have help, keep your activities, decorations, and gift giving to manageable level. And no matter how hectic the holidays get, carve out a little time for yourself.

Worrying if you’re sharing too much or too little on social media

Your whole family rolled, shaped, baked, and frosted sugar cookies with plenty of laughs at your failures and cheers for the ones that turned out. You were so busy and in the moment, you didn’t take any photos. Later while looking through Instagram, you see where a friend chronicled the entire process of their holiday cookies. Does that diminish your family’s fun or efforts? Not at all! It’s not a contest. Share what you truly want to share and keep private what you feel compelled to keep private. Resist the urge to check back in for likes if it takes you away from enjoying the moment.

Trying to make ALL the festive crafts and holiday treats

Here’s a newsflash that will either set you free or overwhelm you completely: Pinterest is never going to run out of ideas. If your gingerbread houses always end in tears, just don’t do one this year. Or choose three projects and give yourself a little grace (and a lot of humor) with them. A lopsided homemade wreath or burned cookies won’t ruin your holiday, but they will create a funny family memory.

Taking part in gift exchanges you don’t enjoy

You should feel generous and content – not obligated – to give a gift. If all you do is exchange various forms of $25 with your siblings or cousins, be the one to speak up and suggest a name draw or a charity donation. If everyone loves this year, make it the new tradition. If you love giving gifts to all the people involved in your daily routine, but don’t enjoy the shopping part, give them cash. It’s easy, eco-friendly, and always appreciated.

Setting unrealistic expectations for the “perfect” holiday

Relieve yourself from the pressure of making this holiday the best ever. Most of us spend more time stressing over holiday planning, than actually doing the things we planned. It’s a waste of time and mental energy. Instead of trying to take on everything, identify the most important tasks or activities and take small steps to make them happen. Give your kids a break, too. Just because this is the season of peace and goodwill, it doesn’t mean they won’t whine or fight. And if you follow logical consequences, be careful with the Santa threats if you’re not prepared to follow through.

Comparing your holidays to others

Teddy Roosevelt was right when he said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Someone else’s decorations, food, vacation, or gifts will always be better than ours. All it probably means is that their situation or priorities are different. Don’t hold yourself up to someone else’s standard, especially if it doesn’t suit you.

Equating more things with more love

Buying more gifts and hanging more decorations is just that… more. What purpose does it actually serve? And what message does it teach our kids? You are not a better parent / human if you volunteer for the kindergarten class party or work three shifts at your church’s fundraiser. Choose what matters or makes the biggest impact, and that’s where to focus your energy.