This is Part 2 of my Christmas-coping strategies. Starting early can make a big difference in how smoothly things go, and it doesn't have to be complicated. Starting now gives you the space to take things one step at a time, without the last-minute rush. 
Here are a few easy steps to kick off your Christmas planning:

1.    Make a List
I do love a list! Start with a simple list of everything you'd like to do or need to get done before Christmas. Think about gifts, social events, decorations, what you're going to be wearing, and any other holiday-related tasks. Once it's all written down, it's easier to manage, and you can break it into smaller, more doable steps.

2.    Set Priorities
Not everything on your list will be essential, so go through it and decide what's most important to you. Do you really want to focus on spending time with close family? Or maybe you want to make sure you get your shopping done early? By setting priorities, you'll know where to put your energy AND what you can let go of, if it's too much.

3.    Create a Timeline
Once you know your priorities, map out when you'll tackle each task. Spread things out over the next few weeks, so it doesn't feel like everything is happening all at once. For example, maybe aim to have your gift shopping done by the end of November, or plan to make your personal gifts like cookies or crafts, over a couple of weekends in early December.

4.    Budget It Out
If finances are a concern (and they are for most of us), set a budget for gifts, food, and any extra holiday expenses. Stick to it to avoid feeling stressed later on. This will help you avoid overspending or feeling pressured to buy things last minute. Make personalised gifts, or ask to share a gift cost with someone else. You don't even have to give gifts if you're stressed about it – and tell people they shouldn't buy you anything either – that way, everyone saves.

Before you make these decisions, work out how you explain you're on a budget (and practice it!) if anyone questions what you've spent on them or their kids (I know, this happens, right?). 

5.    Delegate Where You Can
You really don't have to do everything yourself! Ask people to help with certain tasks. Whether it's preparing food, wrapping gifts, because sharing the load can take a lot of the pressure off. Delegating can be difficult so there's more about this below.

6.    Plan for Breaks
Schedule in time for yourself. Christmas is busy, but that doesn't mean you need to be "on" all the time. Mark some rest days or moments on your calendar or during the day when you can just relax and recharge. These little breaks will help keep you feeling balanced.

Delegating can be a great way to share the load and reduce the pressure during the busy holiday season. Here's a simple guide to help you delegate effectively:

Step 1. Identify What You Can Delegate
Look at your to-do list and figure out which tasks don't need to be done by you personally. For example:
   - Wrapping gifts
   - Picking up groceries
   - Organizing social events
   - Preparing certain dishes
   - Decorating the house

Step 2. Choose the Right Person for the Task
Think about who in your circle might enjoy or be good at the tasks you need help with. This could be a family member, friend, or colleague. The key is to match the task with the person's strengths or interests and of course their availability and "spoons" to take on additional stuff.

Step 3. Be Clear About Expectations
When asking for help, be specific about what you need and when it should be done. For example, instead of saying, "Can you help with decorations?" you could say, "Could you put up the outdoor lights by the 10th of December?" Being clear ensures there's no confusion or last-minute stress.

Step 4. Offer Flexibility
If the person can't help exactly how or when you want, offer flexibility. Maybe they can assist in a smaller way or take on a different task instead. Or they might want to do it differently to the way you want it done … being flexible isn't always easy but consider whether it's a good trade-off to end up with the result you need.

Step 5. Be Grateful and Appreciative
When someone helps you out, make sure to express your gratitude. A simple "thank you" or small gesture of appreciation (like a handwritten note or an email/sms) goes a long way because it makes them feel good and valued, and it might encourage them to lend a hand again in the future.

Step 6. Let Go of Perfection
Ha! Ha! Much more easily said than done for many of us (especially me!), but if you can, planning for Christmas is a good time to do this. Remember that once you delegate a task, it may not get done exactly the way you would have done it-and that's okay! 

By delegating some of your tasks, you'll free up more time to enjoy the holidays without feeling overwhelmed. The key is to keep it manageable and not overthink it. You've got this! 😊

What other ways can you recommend to make the "Festive" season more manageable for the MidJam community? Please pop them in the comments below.