Order for the holidays

Every year, we say we will start our holiday preparations early and before we know it, the holiday season is upon us, urging us to be our holiday best. The holiday time is supposed to be the most joyous time of year, but with all the shopping and multitasking, we find ourselves caught on a yuletide treadmill trying to get everything done. Not content to spend my time on line at the mall during this season, I vowed to recapture my childhood love of the holidays and in so doing created a new way to approach the season, not only with joy in my heart, but a solid plan to follow. Here are my best tips to simplify the holiday season. It is one list you will want to check twice.
A little preparation can go a long way to ensure a happy holiday season…
1. Make a list and check it twice. Include the people you need to buy for, the holiday cards you need to send and the cookies you need to bake. Start from the bottom and cut at least 10 items.
2. Set a holiday budget. Don’t make this the season of unnecessary spending. Be cautious about holiday sales which may cause you to buy things based on price not on necessity.
3. Balance your work and play. At year end, it is time to wrap up not only your presents, but also your pre-holiday work. Plan a daily strategy that will ensure you get the priorities done first.
4. Put technology to work for you, by inputting deadlines for shipping, mailing cards and responding to invites into your day planner along with other deadlines.
5. It’s all in the bag, the family grab bag that is. Instead of struggling with new gift ideas for your ever growing family, have each family member pick one name to exchange with.
6. Avoid clutter by designating a holiday headquarters for gifts, wrap and treats. Assigning a space for items will help prevent clutter and save time when you need to find what you need.