Tips for Surviving the Holiday Season

You know that feeling. That tightness, spreading through your chest down your arm. The sweat drips down your face, your palms are clammy. No, its not a heart attack. Its the start of the holiday season! You say, "This year is going to be different. I made a list, I have everything under control." Then comes Elmo TMX and oh yes, Cousin Linda is bringing her pets to stay with you. All five of them. Before you run away to Bermuda, stop. Take a deep breath. It will be fine. Besides, they can find you in Bermuda. And read on for some tips to make this year manageable and yes, even fun!

Santa made one, and so should you. Start with a list of who to buy for this year. Include some generic gifts for those last-minute friends and family who surprise you. Split up the list by adults and children, and check off as you go, keeping the receipts in the same folder as your list (yeah, you're gonna need a folder or three). I always like to get the gift shopping done first, so I can focus on the home, but go with what works best for you. As for gift wrap, include this on your list while shopping and you ensure you will have everything on hand when the time comes. Oh, and make sure you have tape, scissors, packaging, and batteries (this counts as gift wrap).

With October comes crisp air, pumpkins, Halloween, candy, and fun. But that's for the kids, you've got work to do. Now is the time to spring clean your home. I make it a point to have two massive cleanings twice a year, once in March and once in October. Start with the kids rooms. Let (make) them help you sort through their toys and clothing for things no longer in use. Toss the broken stuff, and give the rest to charity. Now there is space for new presents, a clean room, and someone else can enjoy all the clothes and toys your kids aren't. Everyone wins! As for the rest of the house, you may as well get your kitchen ready for cooking. Clean out the pantry and spice cabinet, discarding expired canned goods and old spices (rule of thumb: if an opened spice is more than six months old, toss it). Any canned goods that you don't use can go to a food bank. This is also the time grocery stores start to stock for the holiday baking season. If you are a baker, shop now for spices, mixes, and candies you will use. A prepared cook is a happy cook.

I know you thought I would forget, but no such luck. With the holiday season comes the dreaded decorations. Whether indoors or out, you may as well be prepared. Make sure your decorative lights are not burnt out, no knots in the strings (next year wrap them around empty paper towel holders to avoid this problem), and that you have enough. Check any ornaments or menorahs for broken pieces. Shake out your garland for bugs and dust, and put everything back until it's time to decorate. When the time comes, it will go by a lot faster.

Now that November is here, it's time to plan your holiday menus. If you eat at someone else's house, I envy you. Just kidding. At the very least, find a good bakery and bring a fabulous pie and a bottle of wine (or the equivalent). Having your menus ready now will make your shopping easier, and you can tell everyone what you will be preparing so any allergy problems are taken care of. Also, this will help guests know what you need them to bring. This is also a good time to make out the holiday cards. Keep all of your friends and family in one address book. Buy a few boxes of cards or have the kids help you make them, and make an afternoon of it. Some families I know include a little newsletter of the yearly goings on in their family. Just something to think about, but I say simplicity is best. Unless you have something to say, keep your greetings short and generic. Include a family photo for those close to you, and you are done. See, it didn't hurt at all!

It goes without saying that you have been doing your Christmas shopping since October, but if not, don't worry my friends, for I have the answer to your problems. Online shopping! With a keystroke and a credit card, you can shop for the entire family. At three in the morning. In your pajamas! I wholeheartedly encourage you to do some of your shopping this year online. Most of your favorite stores have a website to shop from, and you can find anything you are looking for through a search engine. This is also useful for sending gifts overseas, as you don't have to worry about packaging, going to the post office, waiting in line, and then figuring out the best and fastest way to send. So, don't dismiss the Internet for your shopping needs. In fact, if you let it, it can be your lifesaver.

Well, now that you have cleaned, shopped, and planned your menus, you are done, right? Not quite. For some of us, our home will be host to a slew of out of town guests, both liked and well, you get the idea. First order of business? Set a limit! You know how many folks can comfortably sleep in your home, and you know which folks can certainly afford a hotel, so figure that out and stick to it. Have your invites RSVP, and the others? Let them know how much you can't wait to see them, and by the way, where did you make reservations? If they balk, tell them their least favorite family member is staying with you, oh and you know our plumbing has been faulty lately. They'll get the hint. Make at least one baby proofed area of your home, and pick up any valuables you don't want klepto cousin Mike to pick up. Put out extra toiletries (this is a great opportunity to get rid of the little soaps and shampoos you picked up on your trip to Niagara Falls), stick them in a little basket, stack up clean linens, and you are good to go!

Let's review. By starting early, making a list, staggering the chores, and planning ahead, you ensure you achieve all of your goals this holiday season. But there is one small thing, however, that you absolutely must not forget. Relax! You can't plan for everything, but knowing you've done your best will ensure you can enjoy your family and friends this special time of year.