Feeling the panic begin to set in? The holidays are fast approaching and every year at this time, you vow to start early so that you can actually enjoy them. Well, now is the time to fulfill the promise you made to yourself last year.
The holidays are joyous times but stressful too. There is so much to do in preparation that often it’s easy to get caught up in the hoopla and miss out on the opportunity to actually enjoy friends and family and all that the holiday season brings. Here are tips for being proactive so that you can actually avoid the stress and enjoy the holiday season this year.
1. Decorations. Before the kids are back in school and the football games begin, take a moment to sort through your holiday decorations and discard those that are worn, broken or just excessive. It is much easier to jettison the decorations now, before the snow falls, than when you start seeing them go up all around town and around your neighborhood.
2. Traditions. Sit down with your family now and decide what really matters during the holiday season. Let each family member pick one special thing that they look forward to most and plan for each so that no one is left disappointed. By setting an agenda now, you will not overlook something and you will be in a better state to turn down an activity that may conflict with a more important event.
3. Holiday cards. If you are like most people, you always intend to get your holiday cards ready to go around Thanksgiving, but often it just doesn’t happen. Christmas cards are really a tradition that only grows in meaning. These once-a-year forms of communication are often the only contact you have with old friends and some family members. For businesses, holiday cards offer a great opportunity to keep your company name before those whose loyalty and partnerships you value most. Go ahead and order your cards now, addressing the envelopes early so you can check that off your list way before shopping begins to eat up your free time.
4. Family photos. No one says you have to wait for the annual holiday photo cards to take a special family photograph. Go ahead and schedule one now when everyone is still riding their summer high. Dress everyone casually or make it a fancy affair. A family photograph is something you will treasure forever, especially once the kids have grown up and gone. Photo cards also make great unexpected surprises in the mail at any time of the year, not just at Christmastime.
5. Gifting. Get a jump on your shopping by setting holiday gifts aside now. When you are back-to-school shopping or just window shopping for no particular reason, keep your eyes peeled for holiday gifts that will be perfect for that special someone on your list. Chances are you will never find that perfect item again if you don’t snatch it up the minute you see it. By getting a head start, you won’t have to stand in lines or get up before the roosters on Black Friday. Tuck gifts away in a special location so you don’t forget about them and your holiday shopping will be done before that big turkey dinner.
6. Baking. Who said Christmas cookies could only be enjoyed during the holiday season? Why not try some special recipes you intended to bake last year but never got around to it. Everyone would enjoy taste testing a plate of delicious holiday goodies now. In fact, if successful, they will be begging for another round from now until the holidays kick in.
The holidays are only stressful if you allow them to be. Hush that nagging voice that makes you rush around hysterically during the holiday season. Start a proactive trend of getting a jump on the holidays and you will be able to enjoy all of those parties and special events knowing that you have already organized and completed everything on your holiday to do list.
