Last Minute Preparation Tips for the Holidays

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone. #HydrateYourDay #CollectiveBias

Today I’m sharing last minute tips for surviving the holiday! With only a week before Christmas, I’m sure you have a lot of holiday prep still ahead of you, so make sure to prioritize your health and sanity with these tips for the holidays! You deserve a happy holiday! 

I am not sure how we are suddenly a week away from Christmas, but we are, and I am feeling the stress! I sat down making my t0-do list this weekend and felt the mild anxiety kick in, especially when I realized my husband traditionally owned only a few of the many, many tasks I had written down. Something needed to change.

First was my perspective! I looked it over and removed things that weren’t really important at the end of the day, and I had to bring my husband in to help, which he is always more than happy to do. It’s me that has a hard time giving up control.

Second was making sure my priorities were in check, including my health and mental well-being. We can’t forget about those things amidst all the holiday cheer.

So here are my last minute preparation tips for the holiday to stay healthy and sane!

BE SATISFIED WITH GOOD ENOUGH

I’m putting this as first because I think it’s the most important, especially with us being a week away.

As someone with a type A personality, it is easy to get wrapped up in perfection – perfect decorations, perfect presents, and perfect holiday moments with the house sparkling clean and us all looking fabulous. And sometimes, that is what life looks like from the outside or the lens of social media.

But let’s be honest. The perfect Christmas is unachievable. We are a week away, and it’s time to be satisfied with good enough. Review your list carefully and decide what really matters and to what extent.

REMEMBER TO HYDRATE!

I cannot say this enough! Whatever remains on your list after looking over it carefully, stay hydrated while doing so! It is so easy to get distracted over the next couple of weeks between the stress of the holidays, the long to do lists, and the many hours of socializing that you don’t get consume the amount of liquid you are supposed to get in a day to stay hydrated. And no – liquor doesn’t count. 😉

The Mayo Clinic recommends we consume 6.3 cups a day; however, most people consume 2.5 cups. Not good!

Staying properly hydrated improves your physical performance, helps you lose weight, boosts your brainpower, as well as prevents headaches and disease. Overall – hydration is important for your health and the last thing you need during the holiday season is to not be feeling at your best.

So how do you stay properly hydrated?

My number one tip is to make it a priority with every single task. Any time I sit down to accomplish an item off my to-do list – wrapping presents, working on Christmas cards, playing outside with Liam, etc – I make sure I have a drink on hand.

My go-to drinks to stay hydrated? DASANI®, vitaminwater® zero squeezed®, and POWERADE ZERO™ Mixed Berry. Having these on hand is also great for guests, especially the last minute ones that drop by without a lot of notice!

STICK WITH YOUR TRIED AND TRUE RECIPES

If you are running high on stress and low on time, do not attempt a bunch of new holiday recipes. Stick with simple recipes without a lot of extra steps or recipes that you have made over and over again. You are less likely to be stuck with a burnt pie or dry main dish on Christmas and more likely to enjoy the baking process!

SCRATCH ANYTHING OFF YOUR HOUSE LIST THAT TAKES MORE THAN 30 MINUTES

If you have impending your guests, I suggest hiring someone to do a deep clean OR accept that you want your house to be spiffed up and presentable – NOT spotless! It’s okay for it to not be immaculate.

Look at your cleaning list and make a general rule to scratch off anything that will take you more than 30 minutes. For example, the baseboards and trim in your house does not need to be scrubbed by hand with soap and water; a quick dusting really is enough.

DEPEND ON 2 DAY SHIPPING FOR LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY SHOPPING

If you are not done shopping, consider two things: 1, is it someone that you have to buy for? and 2, what can you order that has 2 day shipping? Heading into the stores and the holiday crowds will only rise your stress level. Depending on 2 day delivery will make life much easier.

I just ordered a bunch of things from Target last night with their 2 day shipping as well as two visits their this weekend and more planned this week. I don’t know what I do without Target, people!

STOCK UP ON GIFT WRAPPING SUPPLIES BEFORE YOU START

Nothing is worse than getting everything together, starting a project, and realizing part way through that you ran out of tape or another needed item. Then you have to stop, clean up, run out to the store to fight the holiday crowds and eventually come back home to start it all over again. Not fun!

Make sure you have enough of all your essentials before starting on your next Target run so you can quickly and easily crank out all your wrapping in some sweep.

Consider making it more fun, too!

• Make it a wrapping party with your friends or partner, remembering the tip on accepting less than perfection!
• Watch holiday movies!
• Listen to Christmas music!
• Sip on a tasty holiday cocktail or hot chocolate!

JUST SAY NO AND ASK FOR HELP

With a week left, it’s time to give yourself a little grace – say “no” when people are asking you for more and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s so easy to think we have to do everything by ourselves. Read tip number one again, embrace imperfection, and let other people help you!

This is really hard for me, especially because my husband and I do things very differently. But embracing his version of help will make us both enjoy the holiday season more and that really is what’s important at the end of the day – not perfect wrapping or fabulously decorated cookies.

HAVE YOU STAYED HYDRATED?

I told you that I cannot say this one enough! Next time you run into Target for your wrapping supplies, groceries or even last minute gifts, make sure to stock up on all your hydration needs- DASANI®, vitaminwater® zero squeezed®, and POWERADE ZERO™ Mixed Berry.

Keeping them on hand with you at all times really will make you feel better and ready to take on the holidays!