5 Reasons Why This Was the Best Christmas Ever

While most people look forward to the best Christmas ever, I used to dread the holiday season. Why? Well, because I was always stressed out trying to get everything done and please everyone. Moreover, working a full-time job made it nearly impossible to buy gifts for family members and friends.

My days consisted of waking up early in the morning, getting the kids ready and out the door. Then I returned home with only enough time to make dinner, clean up and get myself dressed for work. By the time I returned home from work, it was late. I had a short window before the baby woke up and needed something.

During the holiday season, there was never much time to get a lot accomplished. Most of my Christmas shopping was done at the last minute online. I never really had time to prepare a nice holiday meal, and to make matters worse, I was sometimes scheduled to work.

I felt like I was being pulled in so many different directions, until this year. Now, this has been the best Christmas ever.

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I have a flexible work schedule. Quitting my full-time job earlier this year was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I love being a meteorologist, but balancing work and home was tough – not to mention our daughter starting kindergarten.

I’m fortunate and excited to fill in from time to time. In fact, I was called in to fill in a couple of days Christmas week. I love having the the flexibility of controlling my work schedule.

I have time to shop. It seems like every year I forget to buy a gift for someone. Plus, most of my shopping was usually done last minute online. This Christmas I actually had time to walk into a store and buy presents.

I was able to wrap gifts. I got all the wrapping done a few days before Christmas this year, which is a stark contrast to previous years of trying to stuff everything in a bag on Christmas Eve.

I was able to cook. I’m usually way too tired from work to even think about putting pot to fire. But this time, I prepared a nice meal along with dessert.

There was no rush. Most  holidays consist of me running around like a chicken without a head. However, this Christmas was slower paced. It felt great not being on a tight schedule for once.

The holidays are a lot more enjoyable without the added stress of having the pressure of trying to cram everything in. I had a blast spending time with my family and watching our kids open up their gifts.

How did you spend the holidays? How do you avoid stress during the holidays?