The holidays are a magical time of year. For me, the season begins the moment I catch the sharp, festive scent of scotch pine in the air. My family celebrates Christmas, and I love diving into the holiday spirit by listening to carols and wrapping gifts.
Over the years, our family has had its fair share of gift-wrapping experiments. There was the phase when we wrapped everything in
newspaper, an eco-friendly approach that brought some humor with it—imagine opening a gift wrapped in yesterday’s headline! Later, my sister-in-law introduced us to reusable gift bags, a practical and sustainable option we enjoyed for several years. Still, no matter how creative we get, we always seem to return to the classic colorful paper and ribbons, even if they require a little more effort.
But let’s be honest: the holidays are a busy time, and I don’t always have the bandwidth to wrap gifts myself. Some years, I hire a teenager to help with the wrapping. It’s a win-win—a young person earns a little extra money, and I save time and reduce stress.
The holidays can be a whirlwind of dining, entertaining, and celebrating. For many, especially women, there’s a tendency to want to do it all. From attending events to perfecting the menu, decorating the house, wrapping gifts, and hosting, it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: the secret to a joyful and less stressful holiday season is delegation.
A Simple Delegation Strategy
If you’re planning an event—a family gathering, an office party, or even a caroling outing—start by listing all the tasks that need to be done. Assign yourself the ones you truly enjoy. Then, write the remaining tasks on slips of paper and place them in a hat. Pass the hat around to your guests or team, and let everyone draw a task. Suddenly, the responsibility isn’t all on your shoulders; it’s a shared effort.
This strategy works wonders in professional settings, too. Whether it’s organizing a holiday party at work or tackling year-end projects, shared tasks foster teamwork, build connections, and lighten the load for everyone involved.
The Gift of Shared Responsibility
The beauty of delegation is that it ensures everything gets done without anyone feeling overwhelmed. Plus, it creates a sense of camaraderie. When everyone contributes, the season feels more about togetherness—exactly as it should be.
So this year, let go of the urge to handle everything yourself. Share the workload, savor the small joys, and embrace the magic of the season.
Wishing you a stress-free and happy holiday!
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