It’s that time of the year.
The time of the year that all you want to do is focus on running your growing small business, but it’s Christmas. And everyone you know is in Holiday mode.
You probably don’t even feel like you have a holiday gear at all, do you?
And then, it happens, you’ve delayed and procrastinated and dug yourself a Christmas hole. The big day to exchange gifts is nearing, your family has given you the name “Scrooge,” and you are stressed.
Is it possible to right the ship and get into the ‘Christmas spirit,’ as the cool kids say?
100%.
Yes, it is.
But you need to change your mindset (not just for this Christmas, but for next).
Shop Early, Keep It Simple
Shopping for gifts is the number one stressor during the holidays. Gifts cost money. Money isn’t always at a premium. And aside from the obvious cost factor, there is also the dreaded “what do I get these people” factor.
You could opt for just gift cards, but that can feel less intimate.
Here’s the thing…
If you can get gift cards, do get gift cards. Many young people love to just pick out their own gifts. You are doing them a favor.
But when you can’t opt for easy gift cards, dedicate a small portion of time to brainstorming gift ideas. Write them down. Match them up with people. Once you have lots of gift ideas, it’s an easier place to start. Otherwise, you’re just thinking of someone you know and overwhelming yourself with outlier gift ideas.
Think Simple
Start with simple, easy ideas. Most of the times, these are the best ideas. But if not, its easier to build from simplicity than it is to break down an extraneous, complicated idea.
The Time Slot Prevents Stress
When you dedicate even 15 minutes to gift idea brainstorming, you remove all that ‘gift idea’ stress. Just like with your job, the more you organize things, the less overwhelming it feels. Coming up with gift ideas seems stressful when you do it while driving in your car.
Try To Go Earlier In The Year
I know, I know, you’ve had this idea for years and years. And once again, its too late to accomplish. Hindsight is 20/20, they say…
This is all true, but what about next year? Plan for a time this year to tackle next year’s shopping. Remember, shortly after Christmas, merchandise will go on sale. Take advantage. Sure, you can’t buy trendy gifts too early, but most of the time that’s not what you’re buying anyway.
Take A Drive, Enjoy The Lights
Christmas lights are everywhere.
Taking a drive is easy.
If you want to shed that “Scrooge” label, offer to take the family on a drive through neighborhoods that have awesome decorations up. Its easy, it will only cost you some gas, and you’ll suddenly go from “bah humbug” to “Christmas hero.”
Just for taking a drive!
You can Google for the best Christmas decorated neighborhoods in your area. It’s super easy.
You Can Also Take A Walk
You Can Also Take A WalkMany towns and cities put up some pretty awesome decorations. You can drive there, park, and walk about with the family.
Its another easy win.
Decorate (Maybe, A Little)
Cut Down On Social Media Use
Social media can suck the life out of you. I know, you don’t think that’s true, but you are wrong.
Christmas and the holidays, in general, are stressful.
Social media can worsen that stress.
Don’t Try Keeping Up With The Jones’
Social media makes us feel inferior. It makes us feel like we don’t “have enough.” It can cause us to feel as though we need to buy bigger, more expensive gifts, just for the sake of impressing people. Because, you know, what if your gift gets posted on Instagram?
Social media creates a bubble. You don’t know that you are in the bubble. It tricks your perception. You are constantly exposed to bragging and negativity. It changes you.
Delete the Facebook and Instagram apps from your smartphone.
Why?
Because they suck the life out of you. They waste valuable time. They set impossible personal standards.
Dedicate One Time Slot Per Day To YOU
Don’t be afraid to enjoy the holidays for yourself. There is nothing wrong with a little holiday downtime. Its that time of the year, you know, when the gifts of serenity and relaxation are at premiums!
Conclusion
The holidays can suck, but that’s mostly your fault. Shop early, shop simple, and stay organized throughout the year. Stop letting social media suck you into unreal expectations. Take time for yourself.
The holidays should be fun! And beyond that, don’t forget, when the post-holiday stress is at its worst, come to us for your check writing needs. We can help make life as a small business owner a little bit easier!
