1. Start early.
You wouldn't plan a major vacation with only a moments
notice. So many of us feel we can crowd all the holiday
shopping, baking, card writing, entertaining, and decorating into
a few short weeks. Give yourself more time to do these things,
and you will feel the stress begin to dissipate.
2. If you're doing photo Christmas cards,
eliminate the big picture taking session. Instead, look at some
of the pictures you have taken over the past few months or on
your last vacation. If you don't have one fantastic group
snapshot of the family, take advantage of the trend in multiple photo
holiday cards and use individual pictures you like of each of your kids.
3. Keep a gift idea notebook. If
a friend or family member mentions they like something or they
have an new interest or hobby, jot it down. This way, when
it's time to shop for gits, you don't have to spend a lot of time and
energy wondering what to buy.
4. In fact, avoid the mall.
Yes, the sales can be very enticing, but the items
advertised will probably be long gone by the time you get
there. Even if you haven't done much shopping online in the past,
this is the time to do it. There are even better discounts in
internet stores, some with free shipping, and you won't have to deal
with the traffic, parking or crowds.
5. Instead of wrapping
presents, use gift
bags. Just add some tissue paper and you're done.
If you do decide to wrap your gifts, wrap them as you buy them or when
the package arrives in the mail. That way you avoid letting them pile
up and having to do it all at once.
6. Simplify your decorating.
Pre-lit Christmas trees, wreaths and garland have big impact and are
quick and easy to set up. It might even be time to consider
cutting back on the little holiday knick knacks that take hours to
place around the house.
7. Lighten your holiday
entertaining burden. Do a potluck! Have everyone
bring their favorite holiday dish or do a theme
potluck. Remember, there's nothing wrong with slice and bake
cookies for dessert!
8. Make a list of
all of the holiday things you feel compelled to do every year, and then
go over it carefully and see what you can cut out or at least, where
you can cut down. Then, find the one thing on that list that may
take a lot of time and effort, but it brings you and your family
joy. Concentrate on doing that with all heart.
If
you plan ahead, simplify, ask for help and cut down, you'll be free to enjoy
the family traditions you truly love. Instead of losing sleep,
running around and rushing to make it through the holidays, you'll have
some extra time to create wonderful new holiday memories.
