Stress-Free Holidays

By: Toronto4Kids

Getting through the Holiday Crunch! It can become challenging to get through the holidays without stress. Here are some tips on getting you through the holidays without feeling overwhelmed.

Holiday Planning Tips

Be organized…
Make your lists ahead of time! Pencil in everything you need to get done in your agenda or calendar along with your deadlines. Keep things simple! Create checklists for the following: Cards to send, Grocery Shopping, Holiday Menu Items, Decorations to purchase, Party Guest Lists & Invitations, Gifts and Wrapping.

Keep things simple…
Embellish your house with simple decorations rather than over-crowding your rooms with all kinds of odds and ends. When planning your Holiday menu, don't be too elaborate. Choose recipes that are simple and have been tested, to avoid the stress of your recipes' outcome. Since most people complain about overeating during the holidays, a small selection of quality foods is more than appropriate!

Stock up on necessities now…
Now is the time to stock up on things you will need during the holidays: film, batteries, candles. Stock your pantry with lots of snack for unexpected drop-in guests. You don't want to be running out for these items at the last minute.

Gift-wrapping strategy…
Set up one central gift-wrapping station with all your supplies. Commit to wrapping a certain number of presents each day!

Party Planning Tips

Try potlucks and catering for parties…
If you're cooking for large crowds, it can be very time-consuming and it can become quite expensive. Organize a potluck and have everyone contribute a dish. Alternatively, you can look into catering services. A caterer may cost the same as buying all the ingredients. And, even if it's a bit more expensive, it may be worth the time and effort you save.

Co-host a party…
Since the holidays are all about parties, co-host a party with a friend or family. Co-hosting parties solves those conflicts in peoples' schedules. If it's one party for your friends or family instead of two, and it will cut your stress and work in half.

Cook ahead of time…
Find Holiday menu items and recipes that can made ahead of time, and that you can freeze until you need them. This will drastically cut down on what you need to do on the day of your big event.

Gift Giving Tips

Have a budget and don't overspend…
Design a budget that is right for your family. There are many ways to make this holiday special without adding stress to your budget. How can you show people you appreciate them? Letting people know what is special about them in a card, letter, video or a scrapbooking page is a great gift. Use your imagination and have fun!

Shop online…
Avoid the frenzy of the shopping malls (let alone battling it out for a parking spot). Many companies now offer secured shopping online. During the holiday period, you'll find great incentives and many offer Free Shipping (with a minimum purchase). No traffic and no waiting in line!

Family gift giving…
Join with other family members to shop for big gifts, or give a family gift rather than individual gifts. A special meal for the entire family or an electronic toy that both adults and children might just be on Santa's list!

Draw names…
If you are part of a large family or have lots of friends, suggest drawing names so that each person only has to buy one gift. Or, agree only to give gifts to the children in the family.

All-purpose gifts…
Always keep a stock of all-purpose gifts on hand such a picture frames, decorative dishes, candles, seasonal decorations, non-perishable gift baskets, or ornaments for unexpected guests or holiday party invitations, so you won't have to dash out and buy last-minute expensive gifts.

Prepare for next year right after the holidays…
To save some time for next year, and to take advantage of year-end bargains, buy all of your decorations, gift wrap, and cards for next year at this year's post-holiday sales.

Throughout the Holiday Season, remember to enlist the help of your little elves.

Kids can be a big help at this time of the year. Get them to help and turn some time-consuming holiday chores into fun family activities. Kids can help with holiday cards (envelopes & stamps), decorating holiday cookies, cooking, gift-wrapping and decorating your home.

Following these tips can be just what you need to be able to experience a saner more enjoyable holiday season and really focus on the true meaning of the season… Happy Holidays!!

© Toronto4Kids - November 2008. This article may not be reproduced in part or in its entirety without the expressed written permission from Toronto4Kids.