How to Get Ready for a Stress Free Holiday Season

The holidays are only weeks away. Enter any store and one can feel that Christmas has been jump-started, with decorations and such. Yet, we still have Thanksgiving to get through! Often holidays and their celebrations involving family and friends can create more stress in our lives than major surgery. In this article you will find some tips on how to keep cool and enjoy the holiday season.

Instructions

1. Don't bite off more than you can chew. Know your limits. If you are deeply involved with a big project at work, maybe this isn't the year to invite everyone to your place for Thanksgiving. Do what you can cheerfully, enjoying the process, and don't be afraid to say "No" to what you can't.

2. Make financial considerations now. You know what Christmas gifts you need to buy. Although you may have not joined a Christmas club, there are other ways to save money on gifts. Don't feel you have to get everything on everyone's list, even for your kids. Pick the most appropriate choices, look at your budget and make your selections. Don't forget to try warehouse stores, outlet stores and early-morning sales to get as much bite as you can out of your money.

3. Take time to enjoy the decorating. Invite guests early to set up for the festive Thanksgiving table. Have a Christmas decorating party that includes the tree, hot chocolate and cookies. Most people will enjoy the company and the fun, and you will not be so burdened by the huge activity of decorating.

4. Maintain priorities. If this is the first Christmas with a new grandchild, ask yourself if you really want to be the one hosting the Christmas party for all your friends. Don't feel badly, as you can jump into the fray next year.

5. Cook as much as you can ahead of time or cater what your finances will allow. This gives you time out of the kitchen to enjoy the party and mingle with your guests. It also can take off some of the stress you may feel in pulling the holidays together.

6. Don't forget to take time out for yourself. Make this a priority. Pick a night each week for a bubble bath or a night to read a book or watch of movie. Be mindful of what you are doing for yourself, so that you don't waste the night worrying about everything.

Tips & Warnings

• Most of all, be kind to yourself. Be realistic about what you can and want to do and express that. Ask for help from the family in writing those cards, getting the house cleaned and other mundane holiday chores. Above all don't try to be a super person.