When you think about what is involved in getting your holiday celebrations in order, everything from sending out holiday cards, decorating the house, stringing the lights, hosting and attending parties, buying and wrapping presents, and baking and decorating the cookies, it's understandable how the season can feel overwhelming and stressful. We tend to do a lot of juggling around the holidays, which can create high anxiety around this time. To help keep things simple, I have listed a few suggestions for alternative ways to combat your holiday "to do" list. Think Outside the Envelope Consider sending postcards in lieu of cards this year. You'll have one less step without envelopes and will save on the postage, as well. And the best part - holiday postcards are very chic this season, so you will be right in style. Keep it in Perspective Holidays can bring an enormous amount of stress, causing depression for some. High expectations leave us all vulnerable. I have a sign in my office that reads, "Our peace is proportional to our expectations." It helps me whenever I begin to feel I am putting too much pressure on either myself, someone else or a situation. By keeping things in perspective, it minimizes the expectation of unreasonable outcomes. It also helps me remember that, as much as I try to go into the season with a plan, the plan will have changes and this is OK. Find Sweet Inspiration The holiday season does promote lots of sugary sweets and snacks. From gum drops, to candy canes, fudge and cookies, these goodies can take a toll on your energy. The key here is to indulge in moderation, so you don't experience sugar rushes that can crash down onto your very last nerve. When either consuming or serving sweets to your children, try doing something productive, like decorating the house or wrapping presents together, rather than sitting idle.
When it comes to deserts, if you are pressed for time, consider an alternative. Purchase some ready-to-bake cookie dough and decorate with your favorite toppings. Do the same with ready-made pie crusts and cakes. Remember, it's the thought that counts.
Taking simple steps to prepare and plan in advance can greatly improve your enjoyment throughout the holiday season. The holiday season is intended to be enjoyed with family, friends, and loved ones and taking these steps will help reduce your stress to make the most of the holidays.
Author Resource:
Patricia Diesel, The Organizing Expert, is author of A Simple Guide to an Organized life and CEO of Keep It Simple Now, LLC. Patricia provides professional organizing and life coaching to individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporate arenas. Accomplishments, services, merchandise, and additional information about Patricia can be found at http://www.keepitsimplenow.com .
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