 Holiday Plans
Okay folks, I know how much you really don't want to hear this, but the truth is, it's time to start thinking about your holiday plans. And no, I haven't lost my mind (even though temperatures in some areas are still in the triple digits). Trust me, right now is exactly the time to get started.
With this in mind, I'd like to do something a little different this holiday season. I'd like for us all to work together to create a support system. My newsletters for the next few months will be a bit shorter, but more frequent. Each issue will cover one or two common hurdles with tips on how to overcome them. I'll also offer suggestions on how to make your overall holiday experience a little smoother and less stressful.
I would sincerely appreciate input from all of you. Do you have any special difficulties you face this time of year? Do you have any tips or tricks that you've found that help you along that you would be willing to share? If so, send me an email and I can include them in a future newsletter.
So, what can we start working on now to make our holidays healthier, happier and less stressful? We can begin by making lists.
List #1: Shopping list.
You may not have the funds in the budget yet to start the actual shopping, but getting the list made is about 75% of the battle, right? Whom do you need to buy for? What might you like to get them? Watch the sale ads in the paper. Take notice of commercials on TV and pop-ups on the web. If you see something that you know someone on your list would like, write it down. Whenever possible, go ahead and start picking some things up here and there. Make sure to designate a specific place in your home to store them so you don't end up losing them between now and wrapping time!
List #2: Your personal difficulties with the holidays.
Think back to previous years. What gives you the most trouble? Is it parties? Baking? Getting too busy and not having enough time to plan your food? All of the above? Write it down. Start giving some thought to possible solutions. Write them down.
Remember, failing to plan = planning to fail.
I'm certainly not advocating plunging into holiday mode tomorrow, but it's so common to find ourselves "blind sided" by a long "to do" list that just seems to appear the day after Halloween. The funny thing is that we act as though we haven't glanced at a calendar since last November 1st. Do yourself a favor. Don't put yourself in that position this year. Just start thinking about it and making a few notes.
Let's work together, make a few goals and plan to succeed in making this a great holiday season.
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