It’s that most wonderful time of year– A time of celebrating peace, joy and love. It also tends to be chaotic, rushed and stressful. If you find yourself running in circles during the holidays, wondering when, or if, the peaceful moments will come, pay attention. I’ve got some tips to help you slow down and create more time for the traditions and people you love!

1. Live by the list. Make your list and check it twice! It works for Santa, and it will work for you, too. Revise your to-do list, shopping list, household chore list, and work project lists daily and keep them with you at all times. Utilize reminders on your phone or computer to help you stay on task.


2. Become a master delegator. Divide and conquer; you don’t have to do everything yourself. Get your family or co-workers involved in helping with holiday projects or errands. So what if the kids gift wrapping isn’t perfect or your colleagues ideas for the office party aren’t what you had in mind? Breathe deep and let it go! (Anyone else sing that in their minds like Elsa? No? Just me? Ok.)


3. Team up. Want to sponsor a family in need, cook a holiday dinner for the local shelter, or host a neighborhood party? Make it an office or neighborhood project and let others share the burden, and reap the rewards, with you. You’ll find the experience more gratifying, and most likely your outreach will expand.


4. Prioritize. Trying to figure out how to bake for the cookie exchange, take the kids ice skating, finish putting lights on the house, and get your shopping done all in one weekend? You may have to cut something off the list, or at least cut corners. Ask yourself which activities will contribute the most to your family’s holiday experience. Start with those, and what doesn’t get done won’t matter.


5. Start with some me time. Don’t leave yourself out while playing Santa’s helper this season. Give yourself time to relax, meditate, take a bath, do some yoga, or go for a walk. Try this technique: Every morning when your rise and before you retire, sit down, close your eyes, and breath in this pattern for a minute or two: Inhale for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, and exhale or a count of four. During the morning session, visualize an intention that you have for that day. In the evening session, give gratitude for all that you encountered during the day.