I’m just going to throw this out there…I’m a “yes” person. I’ve gotten much better throughout the years and am now able to evaluate my priorities before I commit. But for some reason, during the holidays it gets much harder. The season of giving seems to mean both material items and time… lots and lots of time. It’s something about the holiday spirit that makes me think saying no is not an option and I will magically get more than 24 hours a day.
Well, friends I’m here to tell you- “no” is still an option and honestly one you will need to use this holiday season. Let’s face it… we don’t have any more time during these months than we do all year long- in fact it can feel like even less. The key is to figure out how we want to spend and make the most out of our time. Here are 5 tricks to saying “no” and finding alternatives to keep your sanity this holiday season.
Suggest another time of year.
This might seem crazy but part of my family does Thanksgiving over the summer. It’s not a traditional feast but it’s a full day we dedicate for this specific group to get together.
Before we established this tradition, everyone was driving to a million houses to fit it all in and was exhausted before the party even got started.
Don’t say yes, if you’ll be saying no later.
If you’re busy today and envision the same for next week don’t commit to something and later cancel. Be honest and say you can’t get together right now and you’ll be in touch when you can.
No one wants to be cancelled on last minute when time is running thin.
Delegate.
This doesn’t mean throw what you don’t want to do on someone else’s plate. This could be something as simple as not making your homemade apple pie this year and picking one up at the store. Or asking a friend to grab something and give them the cash at the party. Saying no and delegating a few little things saves you a ton of time and makes a huge impact.
Check out my post on how to outsource effectively.
Just say no.
If you don’t want to do something or be somewhere then don’t. You don’t need a long winded excuse to not attend your 5th holiday happy hour or enter another gift exchange. Stick with your gut and politely decline and thank them for the invite.
If you feel the need to say “yes” try this mantra:
[ctt template=”1″ link=”6Wbs3″ via=”no” ]Always start with a “no” and try to convince yourself “yes.” [/ctt]
This always helps me to put things into perspective and determine my “why.” Before you even have the chance to say “yes,” you need to determine why you even want to do it in the first place.
Stop the “but I have to” talk.
I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to.
Believe me it feels like we do so much of the time but we really don’t! You are an adult and can make decisions that are best for you and your family. Yes, each decision does come with a consequence so make choose the “battles” you wish to fight and let the others go.
What other tricks and tips do you have to save your time and sanity during the holidays?
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I LOVE this post! I’m always forgetting to say no and your mantra is awesome. Thanks for sharing and being so inspiring.
Aw, thanks so much Sam for the sweet comment.
YES! I need to remember this for next year!
It’s always so hard for me to say no! Not because I’m scared to but because I love to be involved in everything. Saying no is a vital lesson to learn.
I’m totally there with you! I don’t want miss out
This is so awesome!!!
This is a fabulous post! I’ve felt so much better learning to say no in life.
Thank you so much Elizabeth!
Saying no is so hard for me. This is a great article.
yes, it’s always hard to say no!Interesting post!
It’s taken years for me to learn to say no, and also “I need help with this,” which sometimes go hand in hand. Thank you for this!
I’m so glad you found it helpful Misty!
Great advice! Saying no can seem so hard sometimes!
What great advice! The holidays often so feel like the season of “yes” so this is great!
They really do, Valerie!
This is so important. NO NO NO.
Omg yes! It’s so hard to say no! Thanks for the tips!
Of course and thank you!
I love this! It has taken me a long time to find a balance, especially around the holidays. Every once in awhile I can let things overwhelm me. These are great reminders!
Thank you so much Stefani and I’m on the same boat! One step at a time!
SO smart! Thanks so much for taking the time to write about this!
Thank you Adam for the sweet compliment!
Yes! This is so important for us to remember!
I love the “don’t say yes if you’ll be saying no later” rule. I constantly have to remind myself of that.
Me too! I’ve come to the realization if I don’t want to do thing now I probably won’t a week from now so just don’t commit. It took so long to get there.
This is my goal this year is to say no during the holidays because I have the holidays and both my kids have birthdays! I’m a photographer so that time gets hectic.
I can imagine! My 6yo’s birthday is in February but I can’t imagine how much it would be to have 2 really close to the holidays. Best of luck and thank you so much for the sweet comment!