As Christmas approaches, with it comes one of our biggest and most strenuous missions as parents—getting everything done before the end of the year. Doing this literally used to be the nightmare before Christmas for me. I found it extremely stressful and difficult. In one hand I was juggling all the Christmas responsibilities, such as event preparations, gifts, and cards. While in the other hand I was juggling the responsibilities concerning my kids finishing up their school year. I was attempting to juggle all this, whilst trying to continue managing my daily household and work tasks. I would find myself incredibly overwhelmed and stressed out during the holiday season, which was not pleasant, considering this time of the year is supposed to be one of joy and cheer. Knowing that Christmas season will always be busy, one year I decided to do things a little differently…
I created an ‘End of the Year’ Excel Spreadsheet.
It was easy to create and so simple to use. I would recommend that all parents make one to keep them organised and sane during this great but busy time.
In my End of the Year Excel Spreadsheet, I record:
- all upcoming family and Christmas events that we need to attend. (I also make sure to record next to each event if I need to bake a cake or bring a bottle of wine etc)
- all of my kids books and uniforms that need to be returned to schools by the end of the year, and make sure to check them off as I go
- all the new things my kids will need for their next year of school – e.g new pencil cases, notepads etc
- all the family and friends I need to send Christmas cards to and buy gifts for
…and check each one off when they are complete.
Since creating my End of the Year Excel Spreadsheet, I have been more organized as it’s easier to stay on top of all my responsibilities. Despite the fact that things are still busy, I have been able to say goodbye to the stress and welcome the holiday cheer.
Bonus Tip for Christmas Gift Ideas:
Parents are not the only ones who find the Christmas period stressful. Teachers can get extremely busy grading papers and closing up the school year. And they too need to destress once all their tasks are complete. This is why I always gift my sons’ form teacher with Magneaseium Bath Flakes. It’s a different kind of gift to give and stands out from the chocolates and sweets she gets from other parents. Moreover the Magneaseium Bath Flakes will help her relax and regain her energy for the New Year!
Wishing you all a stress free and very merry holiday season!