Now that Halloween and Thanksgiving have come and gone, the Holiday Season is officially in full swing! The holidays tend to be the busiest time of the year, as well as the most stressful. There is so much to be done including working, shopping, traveling, parties, decorating and cooking. With so much going on, it’s easy to get overwhelmed! The following tips will help you to get everything done, and to enjoy yourself in the process!
Get Your Calendar Out: Mark you calendar with any dates that come up. This will ensure that there are no party conflicts. You can also schedule tasks that need to get done in the coming weeks. Mark down your work Christmas party, set aside an afternoon for gift-wrapping and plan a day for Christmas shopping.
Shop Early : It’s no secret that the stores are going to get progressively busier as the weeks go by. It is much less stressful to shop on a less busy day, than try to get it all done last minute. Getting your gifts early will also leave plenty of time for gift wrapping.
Plan Ahead for Travel: As with Christmas shopping, the costs of travel are going to go up as Christmas day approaches. To offset high air fares, make travel plans as soon as possible. If you are spending the holidays away from whom, make sure you pack everything you need for your holiday festivities (i.e. gifts).
Create a Holiday Budget: While gift-giving is important, you don’t want to spend more than you have. Many people tend to overspend during the holiday months and are left with some hefty bills when the season’s over. Determine who you are going to get gifts for and how much you are going to spend. This will ensure that you don’t spend more than you are able to.
Don’t Overdo It: People have high expectations for the holidays, wanting to carry out traditions while expecting everything to be perfect. You may feel pressured to “go big or go home” however going overboard can lead to a quick holiday burn-out. Remember, you don’t have to overdo the decorations, your shopping list or have multiple parties. Keep it simple and focus on the basics rather than too many extras.
Plan Some “You Time”: During the holiday season it is important to think of others. However it is just as important to schedule some “ you time.” In between shopping and parties, take some time to enjoy some peaceful moments for yourself. Whether it’s a message, a movie, a book or a nice dinner out, some precious alone time will help you to re-energize.