A Stress Free Holiday

Although things always seem to come together in the end, the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas can sometimes seem like a futile race. This does not have to be the case. With some planning, organization and a few tips- this holiday season can be nearly stress free! (I can't do anything about icy roads and delayed flights J)

1. Start a Holiday Binder
Use a standard 3 ring binder to store all of your holiday information. Stick a calendar, calculator, pencil pouch with pens, pencils and stamps in there and you are ready to take on the holiday season well organized and ahead of the gang. Include meal plans, recipes, gift lists, size lists, shopping lists, card lists, to do lists, timelines etc.

2.Divide and Prioritize List
It is unlikely that you really have or want to do everything on your list, so look it over and cross off things that really don't matter (your guests won't know that your attic is not organized). After paring down the list, divide it into three categories- Have to do, Want to do and Will do if there is time. Work through the things you have to do first and be sure to make time for the things you really want to do.

3.Schedule!
Get out your binder, turn to the calendar, now- fill it in! Put all important dates and commitments on the calendar first. Now, fill in time for necessary holiday activites such as shopping, writing cards, cooking, baking etc. After that, fill in a few evenings for "me time". This "me time" should be treated and honored as any appointment. This is time for you to relax a little and enjoy the season.

4."Spa" Day
While you are filling in that calendar, be sure to fill in an afternoon or evening mid month for some pampering. Schedule a massage or a pedicure to relax a little and look great for your holiday parties. If a visit to the spa is not in your holiday budget, have an at home pampering session with facials, manicures and pedicures.

5.Shop Online
Avoid the craziness of the holiday season by staying at home and shopping online. You can find just about anything online and often cheaper! Items can be shipped (often gift wrapped) right to your home or office.

6. Plan Shopping Excursions Wisely
If you must go to the mall to do your holiday shopping, choose to go during off hours. During the week (especially during the day) is sure to be slower than the weekends. Many malls are open later for the holidays and heading there in the last hour or so will usually keep you out of waiting in long lines!

7. Give "Family" Gifts
Instead of picking out the perfect gift for each family member, give one gift to the whole family. A gift basket with a few movies, microwave popcorn, a box or two of candy and a 6pack of soda is a great idea. This will often end up saving you some money as well!

8.Pick 1 Recipe for Holiday Baking
I love baking for the holidays but it can easily get out of control. I have made literally thousands of cookies before. This year, I have decided to pick just one cookie recipe and make a lot of them. I think it is best to pick something festive and a little different if you are only baking one thing. This year, I will be making my white chocolate cranberry cookies for everyone.

9.Only Clean Areas Guests Will See
Everyone wants a sparkling clean house when holiday guests arrive, but realistically this is not a good time of year to take on extra cleaning projects. Stick to your normal cleaning routines and only do the extra stuff in the areas the guests will see.

10.Be Prepared
Carry your binder and Christmas cards everywhere with you. You will have sizes available if you come across a great sale or you could write out a few Christmas cards while waiting in the car for your child to get out of practice.

11.Use The Crockpot
This is a great time of year to dust off your crock-pot and Google some recipes for it's use. Coming home to a nice hot dinner that is ready to eat after a day of shopping and tromping through the snow is one of the best feelings ever!

12.Set Up a Gift Wrapping Station
While we aren't all Martha Stewart whom is fortunate enough to have whole rooms to dedicate to wrapping gifts, most of us have an empty corner or table where we can set up some wrapping supplies. If that is still not a possibility, assemble a tote with all of your wrapping supplies right inside so you can just pull it out and get wrapping.

13.Schedule a Girls Night
Back to that calendar- schedule in a night out with your best friends. Get dressed up and go out for a few cocktails or cozy up around a fireplace or great movie and enjoy a glass of wine. It is important to slow down and just enjoy yourself sometimes.

14.Keep Extra Gifts Handy
Pick up a few extra bottles of $10 wine or boxes of chocolate. They will make great hostess gifts and you will always be prepared for any last minute gifts you may need.

15.Stock Up on Holiday Staples Early
Before the stores get packed, go out and stock up on the things you know you will need this holiday season. This includes normal household necessities such as toilet paper, holiday entertaining needs- wine, appetizers, candles etc. Don't forget to stock up on batteries(and film if you need it) too!

16.Try to Maintain Your Normal Schedule as Much as Possible
Inevitably, there will be some late nights and impromptu gatherings this season. Do your best to maintain your normal diet and schedule as possible. Indulge and enjoy by all means, but when possible, go to bed and get up at the same time daily and eat a balanced diet.

17.Volunteer
It is good to give up an afternoon of your time to help those less fortunate during the holidays. It may seem like just one more thing to do, but it really helps you keep things in perspective. It is hard to be really stressed out about finding that perfect gift when you see people who don't even have a home for the holidays.

18.Treat Yourself
If you find a great deal on something you love while doing your holiday shopping, buy it for yourself! It will certainly be a bright spot in your harried day and you can surely cut a few dollars from other areas to compensate.

19.Remember To Enjoy The Holiday
Don't get overwhelmed by the holiday madness, keep in mind what the holidays are really all about. Take some time to drive around and see the Christmas lights in your neighborhood or pour some eggnog, turn on the Christmas music and play games with your loved ones while you watch the snow fall outside.

Happy Holidays!