10 ways to de-stress the upcoming holidays

Christmas is a magical season filled with lights, great food, and family gatherings. While it’s meant to be the most joyful holiday of the year, the reality is that December can often bring a lot of stress. From decluttering and decorating your home for the festivities to cleaning up for guests, preparing holiday feasts, and tackling post-party cleanup, the endless tasks can overshadow the true meaning of the season. To help you keep the Christmas spirit alive and reduce holiday stress, we’ve put together a list of practical tips to make the holidays more enjoyable and stress-free!

1. Learn to say No

The holiday season is packed with events: his office Christmas party, her work holiday gathering, the kids' school performances, and even a friend's Hanukkah celebration (where you might end up helping clean up afterward). With so many commitments filling your calendar, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed. Prioritize the events that are truly meaningful to you, and don't be afraid to say no to others. Carving out quiet evenings for yourself and your family can work wonders for reducing stress and improving your overall holiday mood.

2. Re-evaluate Holiday Cards

If the thought of printing, writing, signing, and mailing dozens of Christmas cards is already causing you stress by October, it’s time to reconsider. Reflect on why you’ve been sending cards in previous years - is it something you genuinely enjoy, or do you feel obligated? If you decide to send holiday cards, keep your recipient list manageable. For friends and family, consider switching to e-cards. They’re just as personal as traditional cards, easier to create, and a more eco-friendly alternative.

3. Don’t Stress Over Christmas Presents

Avoid leaving gift shopping until the last minute, as stores get busier and more chaotic closer to Christmas. Wish lists can be a lifesaver, helping others know what you’d like and giving you ideas for them. If your loved ones don’t use wish lists, create your own notes to track hints they might drop about what they want or need. When shopping, take advantage of free gift-wrapping services to save yourself time and effort.

For last-minute gifts, consider gift vouchers—they’re a thoughtful option when chosen with care. Treat the busy mom in your life to a relaxing spa day, complete with babysitting or a house cleaning gift certificate. A young couple might love a voucher to try that trendy new restaurant in town. Concert tickets make an excellent gift for the music lover on your list. And if someone close to you feels overwhelmed with housework, why not surprise them with a professional house cleaning service? If you’re in Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto, you can easily book a cleaning service right on our website for a gift that’s both practical and thoughtful.

4. Get Your Family Involved

Holiday stress often comes from tackling all the preparations alone, but you can lighten the load by getting your family to help. Assign tasks to make the process smoother - your partner could clean the kitchen or bathroom using one of our natural cleaners, giving you one less thing to worry about. Involve the kids in decorating; while the house might not look exactly how you would have done it, they’ll have fun, and it’s a great way to bring the Christmas spirit into your home. Remember, perfection is overrated!

The kids can also help set the table for the holiday feast, saving you a few extra minutes. Whether you give verbal instructions or create a to-do list for them to pick their tasks, getting everyone involved will make preparations faster, more enjoyable, and a little less stressful for you.

5. Don’t Reject Help from Your Guests

When guests ask if they can bring something to your holiday party, say yes! If you have a menu in mind, let them take over one of the dishes - Brussels sprouts, roasted vegetables, Christmas cookies, or other desserts are easy to “outsource.” This reduces your workload and adds more variety to your table.
After the meal, if someone offers to help clear the table, accept their help. Tidying up becomes more enjoyable when you can chat with others, and teamwork means you’ll finish faster, letting you get back to entertaining your guests. Most people are happy to lend a hand, and accepting their help can make your holiday celebration more relaxed and enjoyable.

6. Choose Dishes That Can Be Prepared in Advance

Save time and reduce stress by preparing Christmas dishes ahead of your holiday party. Many classic recipes can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a day or two or even frozen for several weeks. For example, cranberry sauce can be cooked in bulk during Thanksgiving and frozen in a sealed container - simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Stuffing is another great make-ahead dish; prepare it up to three weeks before Christmas and store it in the freezer. Vegetables like carrots, parsnips, broccoli, and cauliflower can be parboiled a day ahead, dried thoroughly, and tightly wrapped before storing in the bottom of the fridge. Onions can be peeled, chopped, and kept in an airtight container in the fridge, while potatoes can be peeled the night before and placed in a bowl of water in the fridge until needed.
Preparation is key to a stress-free holiday feast! For extra tips to keep everything spotless, check out our guide with 8 essential tips for keeping your holidays hygienic.

7. Have Non-Alcoholic Drinks Ready

Be thoughtful of your guests by preparing alcohol-free drink options for kids, pregnant guests, designated drivers, and anyone choosing to stay sober. Creating non-alcoholic versions doesn’t have to be time-consuming - you can use similar ingredients and spices for both. For instance, if you’re serving hot cider, simply swap the cider for hot apple juice and add the same festive spices.

Hosting a mulled wine party? Brew a flavorful fruit tea, such as Pina Colada loose tea, with a splash of orange juice and a pinch of spices like cinnamon and cloves - kids will love this option.

A classic fruit punch can easily be made alcohol-free by skipping the alcohol and using lemonade. These simple adjustments require little effort and ensure every guest feels included in the holiday cheer.

8. Prepare for Kids and Pets

If kids and pets will be joining your holiday party, a little preparation can go a long way. For pets, set up a quiet corner with a food and water bowl where they can relax. Ask pet parents to bring a familiar blanket or toy to make their dog feel at ease. Check if the dog is comfortable around children, and if not, kindly let the kids know that this corner is off-limits.

For kids, create a designated area with age-appropriate activities to keep them entertained. A low table with colouring books, crayons, board games, or storybooks works wonders. To give parents a chance to enjoy the festivities, set up a rotation schedule for kid supervision. If you have a guest bedroom or cozy couches, have blankets and pillows ready for little ones who might need a quick nap to recharge and rejoin the party in good spirits.

9. Prioritize Self-Care During the Holidays

With so much to prepare, clean, and organize, it's easy to forget about yourself during the holidays - but don't let that happen. Make time for activities that help you recharge. If you feel overwhelmed, take a 30-minute walk outside. The fresh air and nature can clear your mind, improve your mood, and provide the reset you need to keep going.

Stick to your usual gym or sports club appointments whenever possible. Exercise is not just good for your health - it's a great way to clear your head, reduce tension, and maintain balance during this hectic season. You'll feel healthier, more energized, and less stressed instead of sluggish or overwhelmed.
If the day still leaves you feeling tense, unwind with a warm bath. Add a few drops of calming lavender essential oil to relax your muscles and melt away the stress. Only 30 minutes of "me time" can make all the difference, leaving you refreshed and ready to enjoy the holidays.

10. Treat Yourself

Your Christmas party was a success; the guests were happy, the food was delicious, and the celebration went off without issues. Now, it’s time to face the post-party clean-up.

Instead of stressing over the mess, why not treat yourself to a special gift? Consider booking professional cleaning services to handle the aftermath. With their eco-friendly products, your home will sparkle without you lifting a finger. After all the effort you put into hosting, you deserve this moment to relax and recharge. Let someone else take care of the clean-up while you enjoy a well-earned break.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve can be demanding, but with these tips, you can make the holidays more enjoyable and stress-free.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, relaxed, and truly magical holiday season!