With the holiday season approaching quickly, the next six weeks can feel like a blur of holiday songs, tinsel, and gift wrapping, but it’s important to take the time to actually slow down and enjoy the festivities. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the holiday craziness, but if you set aside some time for self-care, or schedule a company to cater your holiday parties, it can take the hard work off of you. A little planning now can help you gain time in your schedule to enjoy yourself and your loved ones during this magical time of the year.

I’ve gathered five ways to save your sanity this holiday season and reduce the bubbling stress or anxiety that may begin to rise the moment the clock strikes November 23rd. 

Schedule Time to Pamper Yourself - This is number one on my list for a reason. We often neglect to properly indulge ourselves, especially during the busiest time of the year. If we allow our tanks to get empty that’s when we feel overwhelmed and stressed, instead of enjoying the season. One of my favorite places to go is the Saltability Retreat in Skippack! You can hang out in a salt cave, have an amazing herbal foot soak, or try a float pod. The Saltability Retreat is a hidden gem for relaxation.

Hire a Company to Decorate Your House - What a huge time saver! Decorating your home for Christmas can be fun with the whole family, but it can also be extremely time-consuming and stressful to try and decorate your whole home. Check out Dynamic Celebration Lighting, they focus on installing Christmas lights in your home. They take the hassle out of climbing onto your roof to install, allowing you to adorn your home with beautiful lights without risking life and limb. Another great company is We Hang Christmas Lights! Their name says it all, they install Christmas lights which help take the stress off of you. I also suggest asking your neighbors on nextdoor.com to find other reputable companies near you.

Hire a Caterer for Your Next Holiday Party - Even if you love to cook, it can become overwhelming to cook for ten or more people. An easy way to help combat this is by hiring a catering company to help you prepare food for even the largest of gatherings. Wegmans is always a great choice, they create delicious food and the employees are always helpful. If you have a few food allergies in your party that you need to be mindful of check out True Food. 

Relieve Muscle Tension and Detoxify - Relieve muscle tension, ease joint pain,  and reduce soreness by investing in Red Light Therapy at Kimbley Bodywork and Wellness Center. Infrared sauna is just one of the many therapies they offer alongside massage therapy, bodywork, personal training, and so much more. I personally recommend Becky Coots-Kimbley if you’re looking to address the root cause of any persistent body ailments. How our body feels can directly affect our enjoyment of the holidays, as well as our everyday activities. 

Give Yourself a Break and Hire Someone to Clean Your House - After a big holiday dinner party or if you're hosting this year's Secret Santa, cleaning up the house is the last thing on your mind. So, hire someone to clean it for you! Make sure that whoever you hire is licensed and insured first. A few of my favorite cleaning services are The McCann Cleaning Clan, Sousa Sweeps, and AAA Maid Service. This will truly take the stress out of the holidays and let you enjoy your home in all of its Holiday decorations.