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Getting through the holidays with your sanity intact doesn't have
to be Mission Impossible. But it will take you being willing to
do things a little differently than last year. Isn't that the
definition of insanity anyway -- to keep doing the same old thing
the same old way and expect a different result?
So if you'd like a different result this year --being calm, cool,
and collected on Dec. 25 -- here's some tips and ideas to help
you.
1. Let It Ride
Didn't you ever truly wish that a person would give you exactly
the same thing that they gave you the year before? I have. I'm
not suggesting the boring Dad-tie routine. But it follows that
other people who gush about a gift you've given might like a
repeat. Don't think you have to be totally new and creative each
year. If you've hit on something great, let it ride.
2. Double Up
There are likely people on your list that don't know each other
and that you don't know that well. Pick one thing that will
cover a group of people --service people, hostess gifts,
neighbors, teachers, etc. -- and purchase several of them. Fancy
cooking oils, candles, books, stationary, picture frames, etc.
can all be used in a variety of gift giving. You'll have
confidence knowing that you have a gift that works without having
to spend hours looking.
3. Pajama Shop
Instead of fighting the crowds and parking hassles, order gifts
from catalogs or online and have them sent directly to your
recipient. You can either send early and specify that it's not
to be opened until Christmas, or wait until closer to the date
for delivery. Most companies even offer gift wrapping if you
choose it, and a generous return policy. Shop when it's
completely convenient to you -- over your morning coffee, in the
bubble-bath, or sitting up at midnight in your PJs. Now that
would make anybody a happier, calmer, saner Santa.
4. Keep It Earth Friendly
Don't we all have enough stuff? Think "consumable" this year,
things that will be used up instead of stashed in a closet or end
up in the Spring garage sale. Teenagers love event or movie
tickets and seniors on a fixed income enjoy the chance to splurge
on a massage or a new restaurant. Ask any single working mom if
she'd rather have a new sweater or a housecleaning service. Each
year we give lots of gift certificates so we find our own holiday
fun in buying a special ornament for that person as well.
5. Ditch the big fat obnoxious stuff
With all those gifts coming and going, and as holiday trimmings
invade your already crowded space, stress from overcrowding will
set in. So before you bring in the tree or start shopping, make
a clean sweep through at least the public parts of the house.
It's a good time to be ruthless --if you don't love it or use it,
store it. Don't panic -- you don't have to give it all away.
Just box up it up and shove it into the garage or under the bed.
In Jan or Feb, go back through it and maybe you'll decide to
donate because you like the more uncluttered feel of your space.
The bottom line is that holiday stress is often caused by you
being your own worst enemy. If you need help, delegate. If
you're a procrastinator, beat it by starting early. Make some
room for the holidays in your space, in your schedule, in your
heart.
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