Holiday Tips

Steps To A Calmer Holiday Season

Decide in advance what you will do and what you will not do this year.

Many people feel guilty if they do not do everything they think that they should. Be realistic about the free time that you have to cook, bake, decorate, and shop. Consider these options:

Don’t do it all yourself --- delegate. Ask your family and friends for help.
A personal chef can make your favorite recipes.
Hire a caterer.
Hire someone to decorate your home.
Catalogue or shop online vs. malls or boutiques.

Plan Ahead

Start early, pace yourself and follow the “3,2,1 Rule”

3 easy tasks a day
2 moderate tasks a day
1 hard task a day

= 6 tasks a day accomplished!

Gift Buying

Make out a gift list with who, what and sizes on it.
Catalogue, phone and online shopping can be done 24/7. Save time & gas.
Consider gourmet gifts and gift certificates.

Great Gift Idea: Gift Certificates from Organization Plus are the perfect way to get that dis-organized person in your life on the right track.

If you shop at the mall, note stores that you need to go to according to their location. It will save you miles of mall walking.

Shop locally, it will save you travel time.
List gifts to buy by store, i.e. toys, electronics, books.
Have people circle items wanted in catalogues.
Have ship to & credit card information available when shopping or placing orders.
Shop early for gifts that have to be mailed.

Mailing

Save time use automated systems in Post Office Lobbies instead of standing in line. http://www.usps.com/holiday has mailing options, including purchasing stamps.

Send all of your overseas gifts before Thanksgiving.
Proofread your holiday letter one last time, print and insert into cards, mail.
Address a few cards a night, it isn’t as overwhelming.
Mail holiday cards.

Entertainment and Food Preparation

Plan guest list.
Plan menu: decide what you want other people to bring.
Buy non-perishable ingredients ahead of time.
Plan time line for what you will make and when.
Prepare ahead as much as possible.
Place orders for prepared foods.
Check to see if table linens need to be refreshed and silver need polishing.
Take out special holiday items that have been stored away.

If you still feel stressed a few days before the holiday, ask yourself:

“Do I REALLY need to do that?”

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE, it will give you the freedom to enjoy the holidays.

Maintain your cool. When feeling stressed, take a deep breath and count to 20.

Take these steps to a calmer holiday so that you can go from holiday chaos to holiday cheer. ENJOY YOURSELF! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 

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