Your Guide to a Less Crazy H-O-L-I-D-A-Y Season

Many of us have just returned from an extended holiday weekend celebrating and eating with friends and family. Hopefully you've relaxed a little bit. But as you know December is literally around the corner, and this is when the craziness begins. Holiday parties, decorating your home, decorating your tree, shopping, attending school performances, and the list goes on. I know I’m not telling you anything new, and I’m not trying to freak you out, but try some of the suggestions below and see if you can make this year a little more festive and a little less crazy.

H – Have a plan. Spend about 20 minutes looking at your calendar for the next few weeks. Book appointments with yourself to do your shopping, buy the tree, do the baking etc. Be sure to factor in some down time as well, so you can actually enjoy this time of year.
O – Overcommitt, DON’T DO IT! It seems like everyone wants to entertain this time of year. You don’t have to say yes to every invitation. Decide ahead of time how many parties you are going to attend. Also, don’t feel like you have to be the one to organize the teacher gift, class holiday party, and your family gift exchange. Be realistic about how many additional responsibilities you can take on and still remain in control.
L – Limits, set them and stick to them. Have a predetermined amount you’re going to spend on gifts as well as the number of people you will be buying for. Apply limits to your time and effort as well. Is it really worth it to drive to 5 different stores looking for the perfect gift, or to spend hours wrapping gifts just to make the outside beautiful, or preparing your house as if it is going to be photographed for a magazine spread? Focus on specific tasks that bring you joy and fulfillment and let the rest go.
I – Inventory. Before getting enamored with that special on wrapping paper, take stock of what you already have on hand. If you have not already done so, get out all your decorations, wrapping paper, and holiday cooking supplies before you head out to the store. You will know what you have on hand, and won’t make the mistake of doubling up. Once the holidays are over, pack your annual holiday items in clearly labeled bins and put them in an out of the way storage space.
D – Donate. Instead of feeling obligated to buy gifts for people because that is what you have always done, think about making a donation in their name. Or bring your children to a giving tree and then take them with you to buy a gift for a needy child. It’s a lesson you cannot teach them early enough.
A – Ask for help. Instead of taking on an entire meal, go potluck and ask guests to bring something. Or ask your mom to watch the kids for a few hours so you can do your shopping in peace. People enjoy feeling needed, and you get the benefit of a break.
Y – You! We are constantly busy doing for other people that sometimes we forget about ourselves. Make sure you are still making time for exercise; it will help you to relax as well as keep your waistline in check. Also, don’t feel guilty and schedule some time for a massage or mani/pedi. You will feel much more invigorated if you make time for yourself.

Lori Krolik is the owner of More Time for You based in Palo Alto, California. She has been helping people get organized and manage their time for over 10 years. To learn more about Lori and her company, go to www.moretimeforyou.net.