The Holiday Blitz® is designed to help you, the Magic Maker, to enjoy the season and activities too. How? Why the family survey? I'm here to explain it all in this episode.
Delegate
Why is delegation a common theme with me and my systems? Delegation takes things off your plate. If it's something you want to do, keep doing it. But the things you don't enjoy or sincerely need help with, delegate. Think of your family member's strengths and ask them to help in those areas. If someone is a great cook, ask them to start helping with the cooking of the holiday meals. If you are having a lot of company, there's no reason they can't bring their own beverages. I know at my house I try to buy all the things to accommodate everyone's drink preference and when they all go home I have half of the beverage aisle from the grocery store.
I say, "Just have the awkward conversations." It's not comfortable to ask guests to bring something when they haven't years past but this year is a new year and there's no reason they can't lighten your financial and preparation burden. They are there to enjoy it too. And of course, you could order out the whole meal. Caveat; everyone attending can split the price of that meal too. People know it's expensive to host and you might be surprised how willing everyone is to pitch in for a great get together.
Just Data
Keep in mind that the Holiday Blitz® survey is just data. It is not your new to do list every season. Find out what everyone remembers. And keep it mind if you do it every three to five years, you will get new responses. Kids grow up and other family members may change what they like. You certainly aren't expected to do all of it so don't put that pressure on yourself.
Good Better Best
One way I think about my holiday expectations is in three levels. No one sees these lists. No one knows what you have planned. And no one knows if you bail on everything. What can you do with your time, talent, and treasures to put on the best holiday experience you can that leaves you as a human available energy to the experience you are creating?
My good list is the essentials that must get done. People need to eat and maybe gifts are being exchanged. Especially consider this level if it's just a low energy season for you. Now my better list may include activities leading up to and the big day. When my kids were little I planned all their days that they had off of school. Now that I am working full time, not so much. And Best. This is a fun dreamy list. This list for me includes one grand outing for our family. Remember you can graduate to the better list or you can simply do the good list and enjoy yourself. And before you set your sights on the Best level, evaluate, do you have enough time, capacity,and money to go to that best level.
No
And for the love, people, just say no! If it's not on the list after Planning Day, say no. It's worth the relief you will feel. Once you are in the holidays is not the time to add things to your expectations. You'll see a great idea on social media and think "Should I?" No, no you shouldn't! Just say No! Just like I started to say no to holiday cards, there may be a whole category of work you are ready to just start saying no to. Or that traditional family chili day, yeah, simplify it or just say no. If you find something to be more stressful than joyful find a way to make it less stressful by delegating part or just say not this year. Who knows, someone else may want the opportunity to host it this year. Stay tuned to the end to hear what I am saying no to these days.
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