Planning holiday gifts ahead helps ensure everything is ready before Christmas, and asking for ideas is often the smoothest path. But asking too early can dampen the magic for some people. A psychologist and psychotherapist at a respected medical center advises taking practical steps to ease the lead-up to the holidays.
He suggests spreading preparations over several days and assigning roles among everyone involved. Who will cook, who will decorate, who will handle the fireworks? It might even be worth considering restaurant catering for the celebration, or hiring cleaning help so the apartment can stay tidy without mountains of dishes piling up.
Taking a short pause to reflect is essential: how realistic are the plans in place? It’s common to dream up tasks that prove too ambitious in practice. Realistic assessment is key to avoiding burnout during the festive rush.
A simple to-do list can still be incredibly powerful. A fixed plan functions as a gentle reminder you can return to whenever needed, helping prevent forgotten tasks. The expert notes that it’s important not to box yourself into rigid stereotypes about what Christmas or New Year should look like.
He also offers guidance on staying steady through the New Year’s hustle. The first rule is to pause when needed. Even if time seems tight, try to view the situation from a different angle. Priorities matter, and there are usually items that can wait until January.
Delegation is another smart strategy. It is perfectly fine to share the load. Ordering meals from a restaurant or using a grocery delivery service can save precious time. Some gifts can be bought online rather than spent hours wandering aisles. The idea is to free up energy for what truly matters.
Distributing tasks prevents a packed schedule from draining emotional reserves. Focus on the main priorities, and don’t stress about the small unfinished tasks. In the grand scheme, unfinished items rarely derail the celebration.
Brighten the mood by making self-care a non-negotiable. Holiday stress affects the overall feel of the season, so it’s important to arrive in good spirits. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking rest is a luxury you can’t afford. Even a small break can restore energy and joy. Whether it means a spa visit, a soothing massage, or a little physical activity, make space for yourself. Modern approaches support this balanced view: rest is part of a healthy holiday plan.
Celebrate the New Year wherever it feels right. If travel or a formal gathering isn’t possible, an impromptu celebration can still be magical. A spontaneous outing, or simply listening to bells as you settle in under a cozy blanket, creates a personal sense of festivity. Setting flexible expectations helps reduce disappointment and allows for genuine joy. The idea is to treat yourself with care and kindness during the holidays. It’s easy to end up exhausted after days of strict schedules, so giving yourself permission to rest and accept some imperfection can be liberating. The emphasis is on a bright, joyful celebration that suits the individual, not on meeting a rigid ideal.
Ultimately, the season is a chance to focus on what really matters and to approach the holidays with calm, modest planning, and a hearty measure of self-compassion.