Divide and conquer is part of how we are tackling this. November is here and calendars are filling up. Are you free XX? No? What about XX? You know the drill. It has started.
We have a cookie exchange party planned. It is a way to get some yummies in our cabinet. Plus a get together before the rush. Some of us are not "bakers" but there are enough easy cookie recipes out there that it shouldn't be too stressful.
Christmas stuff is in the shops NOW. We saw some out before Halloween. If you see if pick it up - don't think "oh too early" Grab it. Start your stocking stuffers now when you are picking up Advil. Which you should have on hand for the upcoming holiday season.
Decide how much you want to decorate. Just a tree? Not a tree but a mantle. We don't have to impress other people. We get to decided what is enough. Put a wreath on your door and be done with it. Some people all out. A neighbor has five trees he puts up. Lovely but not for everyone. Don't let others tell you what is enough. You decide. Less is more.
Have a budget and don't go over. Kids don't need everything on their list. Don't create a monster who has unreal expectations later in life. Maybe go out for a meal with friends each paying their own. You are enjoying each other company and that is what it is about. Create a holiday now that is NOT stress come January.
Start going through your holiday stash when you have a free evening now. Toss out what isn't working (or no longer you). Jot down what you need. Cards? Pick up next time when out. Don't forget stamps before the rush.
If you exchange names and it is not already happened. Do it ASAP. Try and get anything in the mail as early as possible.
It is okay to say no if you feel overextended. We can't be in two places. Or say no if you need an evening at home to make magic happen.
Holidays should be about family and friends. Not keeping up appearances, stressing out, getting in debt. Keep it simple.
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