• About Me
  • Privacy Policy and Disclosure Policy

Shann Eva's Blog

A peek into my messy life with 3 boys

  • Home
    • My Delivery Story
    • Twin Pregnancy
  • Work with Me!
  • Money-Saving Links
  • Blog
    • Shann’s Favorites
    • Shopping
    • Birthdays
    • Health
    • Micro Preemie Mondays
  • Submit Your Story
    • Share an Update
  • Twin pregnancy
You are here: Home / Blog / Less Stress for any Holiday

Less Stress for any Holiday

November 24, 2015 By Shann 59 Comments

More Fun, Less Stress

I have tried to make that my motto lately, although it doesn’t always work. I’ve actually been working on my stress level for a while, as you can see from this POST. As long as I am trying, that’s what counts, right? So, I’ve put together some tips that I am using to make the holiday a little less stressful for everyone involved. Including me. Especially me.

I’m going to show you an example from Thanksgiving, but these tips can be used for any holiday or special event.

No stress on the holidays

Deciding Where to go

Since me and my husband both like spending time with our families during the holidays, we’ve made a schedule that we usually stick to each year. Some people alternate or celebrate holidays on a different day, but we’ve just found a system that works for us.

If you have more than one event that falls on a certain day, try to make a decision as soon as possible for both you and your hosts.

In order to not stress the hosts out, we:

  • Confirm times of meals. Then inform them of our plan, so they can plan accordingly. We don’t want to waste any food.
  • We’ve tried eating at both houses in the past, but it just doesn’t work well. It’s so much pressure to eat fast at one place and get to the other on time, so we plan to eat at only one house.
  • For Thanksgiving, we go to my husband’s parent’s house first and stay until late afternoon. We then have dinner at my parents house. My brother does the same with his in-laws, so we are all together.

 

Getting Ready

I’m not sure about you, but dressing myself for a family gathering is stressful enough. Then, having to dress three squirmy, active boys, and my stress level goes up significantly. This is how I’m taking the stress out of this one.

  • Pick out outfits for everyone (me included) at least 2 days before. This will ensure time to wash any pieces that happen to be in the hamper.
  • Lay out outfits and label them for the boys, in case Dad has to help out. They will be in our room, so no one messes with them. Yes, twins, I’m talking to both of you who think throwing clothes around the room is funny.
  • Pack a pair of Pajamas for each boy in with the extra diapers and wipes. Since we are going to two different houses, everyone is wiped out at the end, and it’s just easier to have them already in PJs so they can go directly from car to bed.
Less Stress Thanksgiving
The end of the night

What to Bring

I am not a big cook. I know you’re shocked since I post so many recipes on the blog. Ha! So, in order to not stress myself out, I’m going to:

  • NOT try to prepare a dish I’ve never made before
  • Instead, I’ll just bring the wine. There’s always a need for wine.

The Night Before

Since no naps will be taken on Thanksgiving (or any holiday, party, etc.) I’m going to try to get everyone to bed early the night before. Blog posts will be scheduled for Friday and Saturday, so I won’t be worrying about that, and can just enjoy family time. Plus, make sure:

  • Camera is charged and packed.
  • My phone is charged and we bring a charger with us.
  • I bring extra sippy cups, diapers, and wipes.
  • Bring a pair of slippers for myself because my feet aren’t used to being in heels for very long.
  • Pack the boys’ extra Pajamas

And that’s it. That’s my plan. Short, sweet, simple, and I hope stress free!

How do you decide what to do for the holidays? Special events? Any tips that get you through the day without very much stress?

Filed Under: Blog, Holidays Tagged With: Christmas, diapers, dinner, Family, family photo, food, getting dressed, getting ready, holiday, Holidays, pajamas, special events, stress, Thanksgiving, wine

Comments

  1. wendei says

    November 24, 2015 at 8:31 am

    Great post! Mine is going to be busy busy as well. Heading to Florida tomorrow morning to see family. Definitely charging the camera! 😉

    Reply
  2. Kristin says

    November 24, 2015 at 8:40 am

    This is great, Thanksgiving is really stressful trying to split between families. It is the worst part about the Holiday season!

    Reply
  3. xo, Lorey says

    November 24, 2015 at 8:43 am

    I actually just shared my plan today too! But mines much simpler- STAY. HOME.
    I’m almost giddy by the prospects. I’ve never taken a year off before, but with all that’s been going on here at home and in my extended family, everyone just needs a break! 😀

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 8:01 pm

      That actually sounds awesome! Have a great one. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Daria says

    November 24, 2015 at 8:43 am

    Shann, great plan! I’m with you, the less stress, the better. Bringing wine is an excellent idea! Preparing way in advance should cut down on your time and allow you to better enjoy yourself. Can’t wait to hear how everything worked out. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 8:01 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  5. Mistle says

    November 24, 2015 at 8:59 am

    Oh the stress from the holidays! It can literally drive someone crazy. Been there many times before and I don’t even have kids (well I have furbabies).My boyfriend and I have tried making the whole doing both families for the holidays but it has not worked out. So we just do our own families and be done with it. I’m sure that will change if we get married, so I will need to get with you on how you make your plans work so well. I hope y’all have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 8:00 pm

      Thank you, Mistle. You too 🙂

      Reply
  6. Dayne says

    November 24, 2015 at 9:07 am

    Wow! You sound very very busy this time of the year Shann! But with your tips, it sounds like you’ve gotten it under control 🙂 P.S.: I don’t know if it was intentional, but I chuckled over your picture when you put “Less Stress” over the hubby and “More Fun” over your smiling face! HAHA! Was that on purpose!? 😛 😛 Great post as usual!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 8:00 pm

      Ha! I didn’t even notice that. Hilarious! I wish I was that creative 🙂

      Reply
  7. workingmommagic says

    November 24, 2015 at 9:26 am

    Great tips.. we always bring PJ’s to holiday events since the kids always fall asleep on the ride home! have a wonderful week!

    Reply
  8. Sara Strand says

    November 24, 2015 at 10:14 am

    OH man, this is why we cook. You want to see us, you get in your cars, people without kids. LOL! I always cook on Thanksgiving and we barely fit people into my dining room and spill into my office. But my mom helps and my grandma brings things too so really, I only make a third of what we’re having and that’s pretty do-able. Then for Christmas, Matt’s family celebrates on Christmas Eve, so we go there. Then Christmas morning is ours, and then my family come over for dinner and it’s just so much less stress and easy going. Totally love it.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 7:59 pm

      That sounds perfect, Sara.

      Reply
  9. claire says

    November 24, 2015 at 10:24 am

    Well no Thanksgiving here (UK) but I just hate to see people stressing over Christmas planning. It’s Christmas! As long as everyone is healthy and happy, does it really matter if the table cloth gets a bit of gravy on it or the carrots are a tad crunchy?? Don’t stress yourself out over the small stuff, just enjoy each other xx

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 7:58 pm

      Exactly 🙂

      Reply
  10. Leslie Soto says

    November 24, 2015 at 10:43 am

    Great plan! My hubby and I started cooking the entire Thanksgiving meal for his side of the family because his parent’s couldn’t do it last year and I couldn’t stand the thought of them sitting alone, waiting on us to bring them leftovers from my family’s get together. I’ve never had to cook anything for Thanksgiving a day in my life. I’d always helped my parents but never done any of it on my own so last year my stress level went up but my hubby and I got in the kitchen together for the two days before Thanksgiving and got it all done. We still missed my family get together (the first time in my life). This year we’re more prepared. As much as this time of year could stress me out, it doesn’t anymore because i’ve got my husband and we have so much fun getting everything ready together.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 7:58 pm

      That’s awesome!

      Reply
  11. diyjahn says

    November 24, 2015 at 10:49 am

    This is a great post, Shann! Thanksgiving can be such a stressful time, but it can also be magical and wonderful if you take time to figure out how to plan for he holiday so that you can relax and enjoy family instead. I appreciate this post!

    http://www.diyjahn.com

    Reply
  12. Charlotte says

    November 24, 2015 at 10:50 am

    I love the idea of dressing the kids in their pjs so you can just take them from car to bed–SMART! Also there is always a need for more wine bottles at the dinner table. You’re welcome over anytime 🙂

    We decided to only do one dinner this year, to alleviate a lot of the back and forth with the driving. With traffic one year we spent four hours in the car and decided it just wasn’t worth it any longer and it added so much stress to the day. It sucks not to be able to see everyone, but peace of mind is important (and there are 364 other days to celebrate with family, right?) XOXO

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 7:57 pm

      Exactly! I can’t even imagine being stuck in traffic for 4 hours with my boys. I think I would have got out and started walking.

      Reply
  13. My Urban Family says

    November 24, 2015 at 11:14 am

    These are great tips! We’re kind of running all over the place this year but I’m hoping to slow down after this year a bit 🙂

    Reply
  14. Shannon says

    November 24, 2015 at 11:15 am

    Great motto and great tips! I think we should all try to live by that motto…wouldn’t life be good 🙂 Love the family picture…you are all adorable! Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    Shannon
    Clothes & Quotes

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 7:56 pm

      Thank you. You too!

      Reply
  15. Kailei says

    November 24, 2015 at 11:17 am

    Great thoughts! Holidays can be a bit stressful, but like you mention, with a little bit of planning, we can have more fun and less stress!

    Reply
  16. mindfulmicaela says

    November 24, 2015 at 11:19 am

    Sounds like you have your hands full over there! My boys are older now – and I will actually make them help out with our Thanksgiving meal. Enjoy the holiday!

    Reply
  17. Becky @ Disney in your Day says

    November 24, 2015 at 11:25 am

    My family lives about 3-4 hours from us, so doing both my husband’s family and mine would be very difficult in one day. This year we did Thanksgiving with his dad this past weekend. It makes it so much less stressful to know we can go visit my parents for a couple of days and not have to come late or leave early to be somewhere else!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 7:54 pm

      Yes! That is awesome!

      Reply
  18. serenemomblog says

    November 24, 2015 at 12:01 pm

    These are great tips, Shann! Especially picking out clothes two days before hand. I do that. I never would have thought of bringing PJ’s along so the kids can just go straight to bed. Genius!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 7:53 pm

      Why, thank you 🙂

      Reply
  19. nmiller00 says

    November 24, 2015 at 12:46 pm

    Love your attitude towards the holiday! I think sometimes we put unnecessary stress on ourselves making the holidays that much more hectic. I am going to go with your approach!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 7:52 pm

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Traci@tracesoffaith says

    November 24, 2015 at 1:31 pm

    Thinking Thanksgiving through ahead of time is very wise! We are at an advantage (I’ll call it that) in that we don’t live by both sides of our family so wherever we spend a holiday is the only place we go to that day. It makes it easier.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 7:52 pm

      That does make it easier. Have a great time!

      Reply
  21. twitchetts.com says

    November 24, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    Love the tips, and I LOVE your boys sweaters. Having a game plan is key to make it through any holiday with the kiddos.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 7:51 pm

      Yes! Thank you!

      Reply
  22. Dana Peller (@Pellerini) says

    November 24, 2015 at 2:14 pm

    It looks like you’ve got everything squared away for Thanksgiving! Anytime we go somewhere that we know we’re going to be there later than the boys’ bedtime, we pack the PJs too. That way, if they fall asleep we can just put them in the car and transfer them to their bed when we get home!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 6:45 pm

      Exactly! 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving Dana.

      Reply
  23. Lauren says

    November 24, 2015 at 2:26 pm

    Girl! You have it all together! I need to be planned like you! My main plans revolve around what I need to take for my kids to nap! We always go to my in-laws and they invite my family, which is a huge blessing that we all get to be together. They also never ask me to bring food…not sure if its cause I have three little kids or because I cant cook! 😉 But, til last year, we also drove in from out of town, so thats really why they didnt have us worry about food! We moved back home (to Atlanta) last year so now we are close! This year, my husband is going to smoke the turkey….wish us (him?!) luck! 😉

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 6:44 pm

      Ha! I can’t cook either. Best of luck to your husband…I hope the Turkey is delicious. Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
  24. Christine Cox says

    November 24, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    Luckily we are staying close to home this Thanksgiving and just going to my in-laws that live down the road but come Sunday we have to travel almost 2 hours to my parents house. This will be the first time we do the drive with both kids so I am nervous! Wish me luck!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 6:43 pm

      Good luck! Bring lots of snacks 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
  25. Stefanie / The Monarch Mommy says

    November 24, 2015 at 4:31 pm

    Excellent tips! The holidays are always so stressful, but with a little planning they can go so smoothly!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 6:43 pm

      Exactly. Thank you!

      Reply
  26. Sue says

    November 24, 2015 at 5:50 pm

    sounds like a good plan

    last year was stressful since we traveled 12 hrs up to my Mom’s

    but this year we are staying home!

    Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving 🙂

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 6:42 pm

      That sounds much less stressful. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

      Reply
  27. Cindy Calzone (Hometown Queen Bee) says

    November 24, 2015 at 6:49 pm

    Good tips…anything to help make things less stressful!

    Reply
  28. goodenufmommy says

    November 24, 2015 at 7:12 pm

    Organizing three little ones is no small task!! I have a huge amount of respect for all you’re able to accomplish in a day! And I love the alligator shirts!!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 24, 2015 at 7:51 pm

      Awe. Thank you so much!

      Reply
  29. Dana says

    November 25, 2015 at 8:26 am

    Hi Shann,

    There is a lot to be said about making it a point to do things that eliminate unnecessary stress. I think it’s great that you’re planning ahead and not creating extra work for yourself if you don’t have to.

    Thanksgiving is a stressful holiday as it is, and I hope yours is more relaxing and enjoyable with the intentions you’ve set here.

    Reply
  30. Ananda Qianyu says

    November 25, 2015 at 9:18 am

    great tips! happy thanksgiving!! <3

    Reply
  31. Jules Ruud says

    November 25, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    I am using this list. Holidays STRESS me out. My in-laws are…it’s a stressful time. This covers exactly what I need. Great post!

    Reply
  32. jasmine says

    November 25, 2015 at 12:47 pm

    Great plan!!! I’ll be home for thanksgiving with family just enjoying the day we most likely wont go anywhere. Me and my ma usually fix food the days before that way we wont have to stress about cooking food all day lol!

    Reply
  33. Anamika Ojha says

    November 25, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    Great Post Shann. It’s my first Thanksgiving in US and am really excited. Have to do so much stuff and am so excited for Black Friday’s deals. Will shop till my feet gives up..lol
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and wish you have a great time with family and your kids. 🙂

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 25, 2015 at 5:37 pm

      Nice. I hope you get a lot of good deals! Happy Thanksgiving Anamika!

      Reply
  34. Donni says

    November 25, 2015 at 4:49 pm

    There’s always need for wine!! Great plan. I know so many people that stress about how they are going to split time between families. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  35. Rachel (@thedigger0) says

    November 25, 2015 at 6:40 pm

    Hey Shann,

    I love your family pic. Your kids are at the squirmy age aren’t they. And you have very good reason to prepare. At their ages they don’t care for schedules or plans or if mummy feels any sort of pressure. As a bystander – I love that the twins think it is funny throwing clothes around. I am thoroughly entertained by your adorable family.

    What are all your kids under 5 years of age. You really don’t do things by halves do you. Happy Thanks Giving I hope it was enjoyable for you. I just wonder what time you took off your heals and headed for the slippers. Great idea wine. Thanks for your post – I always enjoy them.

    Rachel.

    Reply
  36. Zan says

    November 26, 2015 at 12:36 am

    Well, looks like I am already stressed and the day has not even started yet ha ah..But I try to prep certain foods ahead of time to cut down on some of the stress.

    Reply
  37. Becki S says

    November 26, 2015 at 10:58 am

    Great tips! I love the before the night tips. Also I haven’t seen (or maybe just missed) your new blog layout and design. It looks great!!

    Reply
  38. Fashionable Librarian says

    November 29, 2015 at 5:00 am

    My question is why does there have to be any stress in any holidays? none in this house

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Meet Shann

Shann Hi! I'm a mom, writer, and dancer. I love sharing my parenting experiences, my healthy living tips, my money saving ideas, and our travel plans. My passion to help other women inspired this blog. I hope you'll stay a while and come back often.

Need Help Finding Something?

Follow Me

Subscribe to Blog

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Recent Posts

  • Writing as Therapy May 16, 2022
  • COVID: The (Not) Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Guilt August 20, 2021
  • Healthy Lifestyle: Making Baby Steps Back July 27, 2021
  • 2020 Year In Review: The Highlights December 31, 2020
  • Premature Birth Awareness: Helpful Vs. Hurtful November 9, 2020

Facebook

Facebook
MKE Moms Blog
Copyrighted.com Registered & Protected 
M6VU-YLWL-D4JY-XAO4

Copyright © 2023 · Blog Design by Quality Websites On A Budget

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT