Tips to Keep You (Somewhat) Sane Over the Holidays
I am in the midst of preparing a 10 minute speech for Wednesday about organizing for the holidays. I will be speaking to the Business Women United - Chesterton Alliance.
I thought I would post the tips here so that everyone can benefit. Or mock them. Whichever.
1. Store all of your gifts in one place. Along with those gifts, keep your gift wrap and accessories.
That way, everything will be together. Easier to wrap and no gift will be forgotten.
2. Holiday products and bundles.
They are so attractive, right? Everyone from Dove bath products to Dove chocolate has a "special" holiday package full of extras. This is great if you actually use the product. If you do not and are enticed by the beautiful packaging, you may end up regretting that purchase and it will probably turn in to clutter. It is not a bargain if you don't already use and love it.
3. Decide as a family what special holiday activities you will be participating in.
You cannot be 5 places at one time. You can try, but you will be totally stressed out and end up not enjoying the holidays.
4. Set a budget for the holidays.
What will you spend for gifts, food, entertainment over the holidays? Come January, will you regret it or be comfortable with what you spent?
5. Hostess gifts.
If you will be a guest in someones home this holiday season, take a small token of your appreciation. A bottle of wine or a box of chocolates work well...........and they are clutter free! Unfortunately, they are not calorie free.....
6. Christmas cards.
Save time by ordering pre-signed cards from your local printer or Vista Print. It's the thought that counts and if you have time you can always write a special thought in the card.
Also, start a list on your computer for your holiday cards and print the addresses onto mailing labels. This makes it really easy to change addresses when someone moves or add names when new friends or a new little someone comes into our lives.
7. Cooking/baking.
What can you make ahead of time and freeze? Cookies, casseroles? When you need them, just remove from the freezer and thaw.
8. Gifts.
You have been given a gift. You love the giver. You absolutely hate the gift. That is okay. I give you permission to donate it. Remember, it is the thought that counts.
9. Decorations.
As you are pulling your decorations out of storage, you may come across some that you no longer like or want to display. Donate them. Once you do, you can either replace what you have donated or just enjoy the extra storage space that you now have.
10. Perfection.
You will not be perfect during this holiday season. Face it and move on. This is survival time, people. When you strive for perfection and do not make it (in your eyes) you feel like a failure. I give you permission to not be perfect. Do the best you can and enjoy the holiday.
I thought I would post the tips here so that everyone can benefit. Or mock them. Whichever.
1. Store all of your gifts in one place. Along with those gifts, keep your gift wrap and accessories.
That way, everything will be together. Easier to wrap and no gift will be forgotten.
2. Holiday products and bundles.
They are so attractive, right? Everyone from Dove bath products to Dove chocolate has a "special" holiday package full of extras. This is great if you actually use the product. If you do not and are enticed by the beautiful packaging, you may end up regretting that purchase and it will probably turn in to clutter. It is not a bargain if you don't already use and love it.
3. Decide as a family what special holiday activities you will be participating in.
You cannot be 5 places at one time. You can try, but you will be totally stressed out and end up not enjoying the holidays.
4. Set a budget for the holidays.
What will you spend for gifts, food, entertainment over the holidays? Come January, will you regret it or be comfortable with what you spent?
5. Hostess gifts.
If you will be a guest in someones home this holiday season, take a small token of your appreciation. A bottle of wine or a box of chocolates work well...........and they are clutter free! Unfortunately, they are not calorie free.....
6. Christmas cards.
Save time by ordering pre-signed cards from your local printer or Vista Print. It's the thought that counts and if you have time you can always write a special thought in the card.
Also, start a list on your computer for your holiday cards and print the addresses onto mailing labels. This makes it really easy to change addresses when someone moves or add names when new friends or a new little someone comes into our lives.
7. Cooking/baking.
What can you make ahead of time and freeze? Cookies, casseroles? When you need them, just remove from the freezer and thaw.
8. Gifts.
You have been given a gift. You love the giver. You absolutely hate the gift. That is okay. I give you permission to donate it. Remember, it is the thought that counts.
9. Decorations.
As you are pulling your decorations out of storage, you may come across some that you no longer like or want to display. Donate them. Once you do, you can either replace what you have donated or just enjoy the extra storage space that you now have.
10. Perfection.
You will not be perfect during this holiday season. Face it and move on. This is survival time, people. When you strive for perfection and do not make it (in your eyes) you feel like a failure. I give you permission to not be perfect. Do the best you can and enjoy the holiday.
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