4 Ways for Working Moms to Simplify the Holidays

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As working moms, the holidays pose a special kind of stress. Between balancing work with the end of the school term, holiday gatherings, decorating, shopping – it can all be a little overwhelming. Here are four easy ways to simplify your holiday this year.

1. Create A Holiday Notebook

   This is the single most important way to organize and simplify your holiday season. Having a Holiday Notebook will enable you to keep all your materials for the holiday season in one, easy to find place.
   Items you will need:

   • 3 ring binder
   • Page protectors
   • notebook paper
   • Decorations
   • 3 hole pencil pouch

   Create a section for any topic you may need. Some examples are:

   • Calendar
   • Thanksgiving meal
   • Christmas Meal
   • Gift lists
   • Christmas Cards
   • Receipts – you can also keep these in a pencil pouch in the binder

   Feel free to add or delete sections to fit your need. The goal is for you to have everything you need for your holidays at your fingertips. You can even decorate it and leave it on your counter. Know a mom who could use a notebook? Make a second notebook and give it as a gift.

   Things to write in your binder – your cleaning schedule (schedule one room a day and plan to finish a week before Thanksgiving if possible), gift ideas for family members, Christmas card lists, ingredients for meals and special dishes, recipes for holiday treats – anything you may need to remember when the holidays roll around again.

2. Shopping

   This is another area where moms are easily overwhelmed.

   • Start early – shop as early as your budget will allow you to.
   • Map out your budget and then stick to it.
   • Shop online. If you don’t mind giving up the crowds, the parking issues and the wonderfully mannered shoppers at the mall, do your shopping online. Many places will even gift wrap it for you and all you have to do is pick up the mail.

3. Decorating

   • Keep it simple – your house doesn’t have to look like a magazine spread. Put out less so you can appreciate the special decorations.
   • Highlight sentimental decorations.
   • Let the kids help! Let them make simple crafts and put them up around the house. They will feel proud for contributing and it makes it easy when they want to touch all the decorations.
   • Decide what your priority is, then schedule it. If you want to make sure the outside of your house is decorated, schedule it on your calendar.
   • Make it a family event. Make some hot chocolate or cider, put on the holiday music and spend some time decorating and trimming the tree.

4. Food and Gatherings

   The holidays are defined by the feasts and festivities. Here are ways to make it easier for you:

   • Cook less. Your guests don’t necessarily need 13 different meals to choose from. Make a few signature meals and make them well.
   • Have a potluck. Ask your guests to bring a signature dish. This will provide variety and relieve the cooking pressure on you.
   • Have a theme party. Having a group of friends over? Have a wine and cheese party. Having a group of local neighborhood kids instead? Make it a holiday cookie party where each guest brings their favorites to share.

Take these tips and find what works for you. Remember, a simple holiday will allow you to enjoy what is truly important this season – your friends and family.

Alana Morales is the author of Domestically Challenged: A Working Mom’s Survival Guide to Becoming a Stay at Home Mom. You can learn more about her and her book at her website or blog. You can also follow her on Twitter for mom hints and tips.

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