This post is sponsored by Red Baron but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
You know those days during the holiday rush when you have about 20 things on your to-do list for any given day, and you wish you could calm the crazy by a snap of a finger? I hear you, sister. I’m right there with you. 
This is your friendly reminder that it’s okay to say no to events, it’s okay to pick the easy dinners, and it’s okay to go a little crazy every now and then and give yourself some grace. Calm the chaos. Woosah it out. Breathe and eat all the pizza (Red Baron if you want the best).
Need some specific tactics to help calm to the chaos? Here are my 7 fail-proof ways to make this time of year a little merrier.
1. Have your hot coffee ready to go and schedule some me-time into your morning before doing anything else.
This one is something I have to be super intentional about. I like my sleep, but I do wake up before my kids. But as soon as you wake up, do this one thing: DO NOT CHECK YOUR PHONE. Grab your cup of coffee (or whatever beverage you like to start the day with), get dressed, and take a minute for yourself to read a devotional or listen to a podcast. Go over your to-do list, and pick three things that need to be done first. After this morning time, you’ll be ready to conquer the day!
2. Listen to fun, upbeat music.
Something that always lifts me up during the holidays is festive music. Take the time to create a playlist of all of your favorite songs, and instead of turning on the TV, turn up the tunes. Here’s my favorite Christmas playlist!
3. Plan out clothes for the week.
Let’s try something new. Each Sunday, take the time to plan out your clothes for the week. As a stay-at-home mom, this makes a HUGE difference. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Doing this for your kids is also a game-changer. You can see our fall capsule wardrobe for some easy outfit inspiration.
4. Plan meals for the week.
Meal planning is something we’ve been doing since we got married. On Sunday, we sit down and plan out our dinners for the week, then plan out our breakfasts and lunches, too. Not only does it help with the monthly budget, it takes the guess work out of the daily question, “What’s for dinner?”
The days are cold and you’re craving comfort food by dinner time. What’s the best solution? Plan simple meals! The other day, we were running around like crazy, getting some holiday decorations out, and I needed a quick and easy dinner. I was so thankful that we had planned to have a pizza night!
Red Baron pizza is the easiest to stock up on in your freezer and pop into the oven. Make it into a picnic in your living room, and not only do you have a yummy dinner, you have a fun family night!
You can check out all of their yummy flavors and where to buy, here.
5. Tidy up on Sundays for a clean slate.
All week long it seems as if my house is in disarray, especially during this time of year. It’s my busy season, so I have to schedule in cleaning my house. Sunday it is! I like to set a timer and sweep, mop, vacuum, clean the toilets, and wipe down the countertops. Your hubby can do the grocery shopping. Then both of you can do the laundry after the kids are in bed. Teamwork makes the dream work!
As for all the toys, grab a basket and have your kids help you pick them all up, then put them all away together. Do this daily before your bedtime routine.
6. Write tasks for the week in your planner.
Quit trying to remember everything in your head. It’s just not going to happen. Every Sunday, check your calendar and write down or review what you have going on for the week. Chat about it with your hubby so you both know what the game plan of the week looks like.
7. Fill your tank!
Last but not least, fill your tank. Make this a weekly habit, and if you can make it a daily habit, even better. Find something you love, and do it. Yoga, running, a coffee date with a friend–something just for you to refill your well. You’ll be so much happier when you’re with your people.
Did these tips come in handy? Pin or save this image below to your phone! Cheers to the hap, hap, happiest time of year!
