4 Christmases? How to Keep Everyone Happy During the Holidays And Christmas The holidays can get tricky once your family starts growing and you build new relationships with friends. You want to see your parents and your in-laws. You, of course, can't...

The holidays can get tricky once your family starts growing and you build new relationships with friends. You want to see your parents and your in-laws. You, of course, can't wait to hang out with your friends. Your kids may have parties and gatherings to coordinate. And what about that work party? If you don't have a strategy, you'll start to feel pulled in a million directions, and you'll start dreading the holidays and Christmas.

To avoid this potential gloom and doom, you can devise a plan. You might have four Christmases to celebrate, but you aren't four people. You're only one person, albeit very empowered, so you've got to prioritize and prepare. Then, set boundaries, be firm, and get everyone on the same page. Finally, get organized and determine that you will have a lovely, fun-filled, dare–you-say relaxing and restful holiday. You deserve it!

1. Prioritize Your Christmas Plans

Yes, the first thing you need to do is prioritize. You cannot do everything; face it, you have no time machine, and you can't clone yourself. You'll have to say no to some holiday fun. There's always next year for that Nutcracker ballet or this tree-lighting event. You'll also probably have to get creative with certain gatherings. Consider having a short brunch with some of your friends instead of dinner and drinks that will last all night, for example.

You can be firm and direct and still be warm when you let your people know what your holiday calendar will allow. You'll also have to be honest with yourself — there are some family members you'd rather not spend a long weekend with. There will also be friends you're dying to spend a day with, but you'll have to squeeze them in for coffee. Look at your calendar in advance, and then be realistic about what you have time for. The word "no" can often make you feel much better and much cheerier than you realize.

2. Create a Family Christmas Calendar and Keep It Updated

A shared calendar is one of the most incredible inventions technology has offered busy working people in the modern age. Most calendar apps today, like Calendar, Microsoft Calendar, and Google Calendar, offer you this option. And while a shared calendar option is excellent all year long, it can be a lifesaver during the holidays. If you haven't already, create a shared family calendar for everyone attending the same events and gatherings. This list could include your immediate family, your significant other, or a large friend group.

Once you have the shared calendar, add the events you've all agreed on. Be sure to include the date and time, of course, but also any specifics. Whether the event is casual or dressy and whether it will involve a meal or require warm clothing are essential details. Also, if anyone on the calendar is expected to bring a gift, a dish, or anything else, add that to the event post. When you write every detail like this, people will have a resource to refer back to as the date approaches. It will also save you from having to constantly remind people of everything.

3. Design a Single Party Template for All Christmas Events

Whether you have 4 Christmases or 24, you can create a single master template for holiday events. In your calendar app, create a template with all the essentials you'll need followed by blank spaces to be filled in. Then, for each separate party, you can send this template out to everyone attending. Each attendee can participate, making the event a collaborative one. Your list can include items like your theme, what foods to bring or have catered, the location, gift exchange ideas, and more.

When you get everyone involved, you can relax a bit. You don't have to be the one making all the decisions. Once collaborations are complete and everyone has agreed on the items, you can create a final, filled-out template. Then, you can add that template to your shared calendar. Better yet, you can assign that task to someone else. Now, you've got everyone on the same page and feeling involved.

4. Have Fun

When you arrive at one of your holiday events and are fully prepared because you were so organized, have fun. Indeed, make it a point to create fun experiences. Remember those lists you helped design with ideas for games, food, and gift exchanges? Get involved and ensure the good times roll. Technology is a beautiful, wonderful, powerful tool, but it can also be a curse. Many holiday gatherings can become dull, with everyone staring at their smartphones.

Take it upon yourself to ensure the holidays are happy, and you'll likely watch others follow your lead. Get the games started and throw yourself into them — don't be afraid to be silly or to lose. Gather everyone around the table, or tables, to eat the food you all chose and brought. Remark on various dishes, and force yourself to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Scheduling and organizing can be beautiful, but you should also ensure you enjoy those items on your calendar.

5. Don't Forget About You

Speaking of joy, don't forget to schedule and take time for yourself. You probably forget that part if you're a natural giver, a people pleaser, or even a type A control freak. Getting caught up in making everyone else's holidays run smoothly and feel magical is so easy. And you're probably really good at it and really proud of yourself, as you should be. But it would be best if you got to share in that magic, and the truth is that a happier, well-rested you is more capable of making others happy as well.

So, while you're at your calendar, planning, and organizing, schedule in time for yourself. You could give yourself a few hours to shop alone, for others, or for yourself. Set aside a morning to snuggle in bed, read a good book, or watch Christmas movies. You might even want to start penciling in exercise; it's a great stress reliever, and you'll get a jump on your New Year's resolutions. Whatever self-care means to you, make time for it, for yourself, this holiday season.

Let Christmas Be the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

In the end, the holidays have become synonymous with stress, and in many ways, you can't change that. You likely do have many parties to attend, others to throw, and fun events you want to join. You've got gifts to buy and possibly kids to enchant with an elf on the shelf and holiday cookie bakes. Decorations have to go up, and lights need to twinkle. But there can be a method to all the madness.

Getting organized in advance and getting everyone on the same page can make a world of difference. Not forcing yourself to say yes when you really want to say no will clear up space on your calendar. Using that calendar wisely will allow you to have a whole holiday rather than a busy one. You can experience joy rather than anxiety. Wait — imagine this — you can be genuinely present this season, reveling in the most wonderful time of the year.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Nicole Michalou; Pexels

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