How to Get Through the Holidays Without Losing Your Sanity

I'm not sure if this is even possible! Anybody who has kids knows that Christmas can make the most sainted person psychotic. It's all in how you go about it. You can either try and paddle up river or you can go with the flow and hope you survive. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• a firm resolve
• massive amounts of patience
• lots of willpower
• a large dose of creativity

How To Get Through the Holidays Without Losing Your Sanity

1. Make lists--lots of lists. List the things you need to buy as presents. Make a daily to do list. Make a grocery list. List the people you need to buy for. Make lists of what each person on the previous list wants.
2. Don't shop during peak hours. Stay away from the mall on weekends or weeknights. If at all possible, go between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. First of all that will eliminate you running into the harried house wives who are willing to do combat for that one specific toy that their three year old will not live with out. At 3 a.m., the worst beast you will run into is the poor guy who realized at bedtime, that it was his wedding anniversary the next morning, and his wife wakes precisely at the crack of dawn.
3. Travel in packs. Your less likely to be hassled or picked on by other shoppers or the many solicitors that are at each entrance of the store or mall.
4. Lastly, take time for yourself. After a hectic day of shopping or a family get together, relax. Take a hot, bubble bath. Soak in the tub for as long as the children will leave you in peace. Treat yourself to a night out on the town, if you can't manage that, at least go to dinner. Buy yourself a special Christmas gift, one that only you know about it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do decide to brave the stores at night, take extra steps to stay safe. Shop with a friend.
• Park in lighted areas.
• Don't threaten to kill your shopping opponents.
• Be thankful when it's over.
• Take adequate safety precautions when driving at night.
• If you don't know a certain area, do not go there alone.