The holiday’s are right around the corner. And with the joy, comes stress. What to buy, what to eat, should I dress the dog up in a pumpkin costume?
I am determined this year to make the season about less stress and more celebration. This year I am armed with a plan and ready to conquer this Holiday Season!
Organize, Organize, Organize
Santa isn’t the only one making a list. Lists can save you time and keep you organized. Whether its To-do lists or shopping lists, they can keep you on track and in budget.
Always store holiday decoration or supplies in a clearly labeled container in a permanent location. This one goes out to my loving husband who shoves the decorations in a different location every year, resulting in broken ornaments and a cranky wife.
Don’t Go Overboard
I have spent so many years obsessing over the perfect gifts, the perfect decorations and the perfect food. I soon learned that that big fancy gift you bought the toddler is not nearly as cool as the box it came in. My family could also care less if my door wreath matches the door mat and they would much rather have anything with dip then something they can’t pronounce the ingredients too.
Shop Early
I do not like to buy gifts in April for a holiday in December. My kids grow and change so much in that time and it makes me nervous to commit to a gift. But equally hate to wait until the last minute and spend endless hours on my feet searching a depleted market. This is my biggest stress. I am going to make it a goal to buy one gift everytime I go to the mall or department store to get my other needs. I have a list in my purse of who to buy for and in no time, my list is gone!
Shop Smart
Create a budget and stick to it. You do not want to be paying for last Christmas, this Christmas.
Two words. Black Friday. I actually save up for this event. You can get items for ridiculously low prices. I plan my trips according to opening times and by what I want most. Some years, I can do all my shopping in one frantic day and have the next month to relax.
I also take advantage of a good deals. I completely made over my Christmas tree one year for five dollars at the after Christmas sales. It was hard waiting that year to see it decorated but so worth it. I got new lights, decorations, balls, everything…for FIVE dollars.
My step-mother is famous for buying gift baskets of perfumes and lotions for two dollars after Christmas. She gives them out all year round!
This goes for Halloween too! You know those glow sticks you see in the Halloween section? They are perfect for the 4th of July too!
Plan (and Act) Ahead
I am notorious for procrastinating. In the hustle and bustle, there is always one thing I forget to get done on time. Christmas Cards. I LOVE getting Christmas Cards and displaying them. I love all the different shapes and sizes they come in and all the messages included. One kind I have never seen though, are magnetic Christmas Cards. Storkie.com has a great selection of Christmas Cards and carry the magnectic cards too. How cool would it be to have your Fridge covered in holiday love as well?
Pass the Buck
You spent hours shopping for those perfect gifts and there is no reason why you can’t pass the wrapping responsibilites to someone else like an older child or spouse. This can also including baking, cleaning, etc. My daughter, who was 10 at the time, baked dozens or cookies and breads last year and made care packages for everyone in the family. She loved baking and loved even more how much everyone raved about her cookies!
Avoid Spreading Yourself To Thin
The church bake sale? The school fall festival? The work party? You don’t have to do them all. You can say no. No one will give you coal.
Treat Yourself
You planned. You shopped. You cooked. Hello pedicure! There is no better way to shake off that holiday stress than a little pampering.
Make it Yourself
Made with Love. It’s an expression we hear but don’t always utilize. Some of my favorite gifts are homemade! Tap into your talents and run with it! There is a wealth of ideas online.
Sometimes spending $30 on a clown costume makes no sense when you can make it for $3. I made these costumes for the twins a couple years ago and spent a whopping $10. They got sooooo many compliments and Reagan even won a costume contest!
Remember the Reason
There is a reason we are celebrating the holidays. Don’t lose sight of that in all the craze. Enjoy your family and appreciate what you have, not what you don’t.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the Storkie holiday blogging program. I received compensation for my participation. All opinions are 100% mine.
About Storkie
Storkie Express was started in 1990 by a WAHM with a vision for a new type of stationery experience. For over 21 years that vision and our founding mission have remained at the core of what we do: providing high quality, affordable custom printed invitations, announcements and cards, along with an unparalleled customer experience.
More info: http://www.storkie.com
Storkie on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/storkie
Storkie on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/storkie
