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The holidays will soon be here and perhaps you are
starting to feel the stress. There may be more than 12
days until Christmas, but there is also a lot to get
done. How can you get ready for this wonderful
celebration without arriving at the big day frazzled and
exhausted?
Consider the following 12 ways to help you have a wonderful,
organized, and stress-free holiday.
1.
Free up your mind by carrying a small pad of paper with
you to write down the many thoughts that will be
circling in your head over the next few weeks. Capture
on paper your things to do, groceries to buy, and places
to go, so your mind can enjoy the season.
2.
Keep your decorating simple. You don’t have to decorate
as if it was a show home. Remember it’s the people that
are important not the decorations. As you unpack the
decorations, sort and purge those that you haven’t used
in years or those that don’t look as good as they used
to. Showcase your best.
3.
Be choosy about what you put on your calendar. There are
so many great activities at this time of year. Think
about each opportunity and evaluate it by asking
yourself if you will really enjoy it, if you will still
be able to celebrate the holiday and if you will be
spending time with the friends and family you want to be
with? Don’t be afraid to say “no” to some events.
4.
Start working on your holiday cards early. The task of
writing all the cards at once may seem overwhelming, so
break it down into more manageable tasks. Try
addressing the envelopes one day, writing a portion of
the cards on another, and finishing on yet another.
5.
Create a gift list and keep it handy. List all the
people you have to buy gifts for and some ideas you
think they might like. Keep this with you wherever you
go, because you never know when the perfect gift might
present itself. Check off when you have purchased gifts
for each person, so you can avoid doubling up or having
to make that last minute trip for a forgotten gift.
6.
Carve out a time to do your baking. Once you decide what
you want to make and determine the necessary ingredients
and the amount of time needed, schedule baking time on
your calendar. If you plan to do lots of baking,
consider baking some items well in advance and freezing
them.
7.
Set up a wrapping area. This doesn’t need to be anything
fancy. Just by gathering paper, tape, scissors, gift
tags and ribbons near a large flat surface, you will
help make the process go smoothly. Remember that using
gift bags and tissue paper is a quick and easy way to
wrap a gift. Also consider using a few large rolls of
paper with one color theme instead of many small rolls
to eliminate waste and reduce the types of ribbons and
cards needed.
8.
Update your Christmas card and address list. As cards
arrive, record who you received them from and any
address changes so you’ll be ready for next year. After
the holidays are over, save only the photos or special
notes and recycle the rest.
9.
Plan meals in advance. Make a list of all the food items
you plan to serve and gather the needed recipes. Make a
few simple meals ahead of time and freeze them. You
won’t have to spend as much time in the kitchen, so you
can have more time to enjoy the season and the people
important to you.
10.
Keep a recycle and donate bin close by. Don’t let the
catalogs, newsletters, gift wrap, and miscellaneous
items take over your home. Once they have been read or
used, drop them into the recycle or donate bin.
11.
Reach out to those less fortunate or those who may be
hurting. It may be someone you know or someone you have
never met, but you can still show them that someone
cares. You don’t have to spend lots of money on a
gift. A visit to someone who is lonely or a warm meal
to someone who needs it is a wonderful gift.
12.
Take time to celebrate. Remember your Christmas doesn’t
have to be picture perfect, but a time to celebrate the
greatest gift of all and to enjoy the season with those
who are important to you. Merry Christmas!
©Beth Giles December 2011 |
