A Fresh Start Organizing

How to Avoid a Hum Bug Holiday 

1.   Make a game plan.  Just like football, if you have a plan of action and involve your “team” you can have a winning combination.  Think of all the holiday “to-do’s” you have or can anticipate.  Some examples are:

a.   Christmas Cards – these can be done as early as you’d like.  Once you have ordered them, schedule family time to address them, stamp and mail them out.  Earlier the better, as the amount of mail is increased closer to Christmas.

b.   Travel Arrangements – If you get a head start on planning your flight arrangements you will be able to grab good deals.  Remember to schedule trips on off days for less hassle in the airports.

c.   Budget/Gifts – Make a list of everyone you will be purchasing for this year.  Don’t forget teachers, caregivers and other professionals who help make your life a little easier.  When shopping, never go without a list.  Stick to your budget.  If you see something else you think they will love, write the item down and plan on purchasing that for their birthday.

d.   Events – As invitations arrive, make sure you attend only those that you enjoy.  It is perfectly acceptable to say no.  If you do attend, make sure to figure into your budget any new clothes you may want to purchase for the occasion or any hostess gifts you may need.

2.   Clean out and make room for new items that will come into your home.  Get the kids involved in deciding what toys and clothes they can part with before receiving new items.  If the toys are in good shape you will be teaching your children an invaluable lesson by donating items to those less fortunate.  In the state of our nation’s economy there are more families in need than we think.

3.   Deck the Halls, but don’t redecorate the whole home!  There is an abundance of beautiful decorations available throughout many stores, but we cannot spend the time, money and effort to transform our homes for 4-6 weeks!  Put out the decorations you and your family love, but don’t feel guilty to put out every decoration you have ever purchased or have been given.  If someone asks where the decoration is that they gave you, let them know that this year you felt the need to simplify.

4.   Have Holiday Work Parties.  Invite friends and family over for cookie baking, gift wrapping or gift making parties.  Provide something simple like cider and easy to prepare appetizers and assign items for those you invite to bring.  If you have a gift wrapping party, maybe schedule it for a day when your kids are in school so you can wrap their gifts.  This saves you from doing it at midnight on Christmas Eve!  Ask them to BYO – wrapping paper, scissors, tape, bags, tissue and tags.  The time you spend together talking and sharing will be a fabulous way to accomplish a task and spend time with those you love!

5.   Schedule your added activities so you are not overwhelmed at the last minute.  Think of every activity and task you will need to add to your schedule and write it into your calendar.  Make sure you are leaving enough time for rest, sleep and exercise.  At this time of year you can’t afford to get sick, so keep up your immune system and energy and you will feel great as you enter into the New Year!

Christmas is for enjoying beautiful lights, wonderful smells, fabulous food and those you love.  Make sure you slow down, don’t take on too much and have fun.  Make fabulous memories without running yourself ragged. 

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