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Posts Tagged ‘holiday planning’
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A Simple Plan to Simplify Your Holidays!
SIMPLIFY YOUR HOLIDAYS!
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Last month we talked a LOT about how to reduce stress by planning ahead and organizing your Holiday activities. No matter how well you plan, your stress level is likely to be proportional to the length of your to-do list! When we get caught up in all of the bustle, we not only run the risk of becoming tired, cranky and run-down; we can ALSO forget the reason for our preparations.
If your Holiday preparations are launching you into panic mode, it’s time to step back and control the chaos. Here are some reminders of the BEST of the many suggestions that we have provided to our Monthly Organizer readers to simplify their Holidays AND their lives!
1) Write it all down! There are so many things to remember, aren’t there? Jot everything down, keep a calendar and a master list to help yourself stay organized.
2) Start early! Divide your task list into smaller pieces and spread your tasks over as much time as you can. We aren’t fond of seeing Christmas décor on the shelves before Halloween either, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get ahead with tasks like house cleaning and Christmas cards.
3) Take time to rest! Allow yourself time to rest and relax instead of hustling and bustling. Sometimes it helps to look at the Holidays through the eyes of a child.
4) Avoid the crowds! Make your purchases early if you can or opt for gift cards, charitable donations or other gifts that can be taken care of with a few clicks of the mouse instead of a trip to the store.
5) Get help! Don’t be afraid to assign tasks to family members, employees or associates. Your tasks may not be completed exactly the way you would do them, but at least they will be done!
6) Don’t break the bank! If your gift list is long and your funds are short, consider giving handmade crafts, baking or offering a service. Don’t forget to make a budget and stick to it!
7) Learn that important little word! It’s not “please” or even “thank you.” It’s “NO!” Set limits for yourself if you’re speading yourself too thin, and remember that you can’t do everything. Saying “no” can be hard but think of it as opening up more chances for you to say “yes.”
What’s our very best suggestion for simplifying your Holiday? Remember the reasons why you are celebrating and the things that are most important to you!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at A New Leaf Organizers!
P.S. Do you have other suggestions for simplifying your Holidays? Comment on our blog or Facebook page and let us know!
Healthy Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe
PRINT THIS ONE TO PIN TO YOUR FRIDGE!
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Ginger and Honey
• 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons walnut oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Toss together the sweet potatoes, honey, ginger, walnut oil, cardamom, and pepper. Transfer to a large cast iron frying pan.
3. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Stir the potatoes to expose the pieces from the bottom of the pan. Bake for another 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized on the outside.
For more healthy and delicious recipes, check out our Archives!
P.S. Check out these clever Christmas cookie recipes
from kidsactivitiesblog.com!
Get PRODUCTIVE…
..…with SEVEN great ways to reduce Holiday Stress!
1. Set up a Holiday action plan.
Start by determining what activities are most essential to bringing YOU that Holiday joy. Then, set goals based on how you will spend your time doing things that you value. Don’t forget to break down larger goals in smaller and more manageable tasks. Be sure to write them down, and refer to them often.
2. Keep your plans WITH YOU all of the time.
Include your appointments, task list, gift list (including ideas), contacts and budget notes with you, so that you will be able to make use of this information as you need it.
3. Spend time daily and weekly to review your plans.
Take time to review your goals. Chart your progress to make sure that you are on track AND that nothing critical gets overlooked. Set deadlines for your goals. Remember to be realistic, AND remember to reward your progress.
4. Create your Holiday budget AND stick to it.
Determine how much will you spend in total and for each person on your gift list. Take your budget with you, and keep track of what you’ve spent. Be sure to include an allowance in your budget for unforeseen circumstances like forgetting to include a person on your list, price increases, shipping costs and sales ending too soon.
5. Keep gift buying as simple as possible.
Limit the number of stores as well as the amount of time spent in each one. Online buying is a good alternative as long as you allow extra time and consider shipping costs in your budget. Follow your plan as closely as you can. Include some flexibility, so you still enjoy your gift buying experience.
6. Focus your time between work and play.
When you are working, don’t focus on your personal life and your never-ending to-do list. Do your best to leave work on time, so you CAN get those things done. Try to focus ONLY on family and friends while you are spending time with them.
7. Take time for your own personal well-being.
Whenever you are feeling stressed, take time to relax and refocus. Schedule time for self-renewal, exercise and healthy eating. If you can’t get everything done, focus on the things that matter most to you.
When you plan in advance and manage your time based on what is most important to you, you will have less stress and more peace during the Holidays AND in the New Year ahead.
Planning For the Holidays — Part 2
The holidays are edging closer and closer. If you want your preparations to run smoothly, your objective should be to accomplish the priorities on your list. Don’t let your perfectionist tendencies keep you from completing your tasks. There’s no reason why that can’t happen.
So let’s get started and turn over another leaf!
PLANNING FOR THE HOLIDAYS – PART 2
“Slow down everyone. You’re moving too fast.” Jack Johnson
It’s important to keep this in mind as the countdown to the holidays begins. Don’t panic if you haven’t started on your to do list. You still have plenty of time.
Errands
- Map out your errands ahead of time.
- Try to complete them during non-peak hours–Monday-Thursday–after work or in the evening. On Friday night or the weekend, go out as early as possible.
- Be careful. To cut down on thefts, do not leave any gifts visible in your vehicle, and make sure it is locked.
- Place gifts in the trunk if possible.
- As an extra precaution, move your vehicle to a different parking spot if you unload and go back into a store. Unfortunately, the criminals are out there.
Gift Wrapping
- Set up a wrapping station with tape, scissors, bows, ribbon, tags, wrapping paper, tissue paper, gift bags, baskets and cellophane.
- Store gift tags in zippered sandwich bags.
- Gift boxes can double as storage containers.
- Wrap gifts as you bring them home, if possible. Remember to update your list once you’ve bought and/or wrapped someone’s gift.
Christmas Cards
- Do you need cards and stamps?
- Check postal deadlines to mail cards, gifts and out-of-country items.
- Only send cards to people you don’t see throughout the year.
- Just the thought of trying to write 50 or more cards in one day or night can be a little overwhelming, so write a few cards every night during one week.
- Send cards even if it’s later than you would like. It’s still nice to receive cards between Christmas and New Year’s.
Decorating – Inside and Outside
- Take inventory and leave out pieces that no longer work. Make a list of new decorations you need.
- It’s easiest if you decorate one area at a time.
- Remove your everyday accessories, and store them in your Christmas decoration box to reduce clutter.
- If you have tabletop decorations, remember to leave space for people to set down a plate of food or a drink.
- Pick up red and green storage containers if you need them, as they are not likely to be found after the holidays.
- Sort through interior and exterior lights, and check to see if they work. Discard any that are not in working order. Safety is most important. Contact your local e-waste program to see if they will accept discarded lights.
- Pick out and/or put up your Christmas tree. Get out the tree stand, skirt and ornaments.
- Remember to order floral arrangements.
Holiday Clothing
- Do you really need a new outfit, jewellery, shoes and accessories? To avoid frustration, don’t wait until the day before a holiday affair to start looking.
- If you don’t need something new, make sure clothing is clean and in good repair.
Hosting a Holiday Function
- If you are hosting a function, write/create and send out invitations.
Holiday Dinner
- Cook as much food as possible–including the turkey and potatoes–ahead of time.
- Set the table 1 or 2 days before your dinner if you can.
- Stock up on soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, along with flavoured hot chocolate, coffee or tea.
- Arrange to borrow or rent items instead of spending money on serving pieces you only use once a year.
- Treat yourself. If you’re having a large crowd–consider renting dishes, glasses, cutlery and table linens. It may be cheaper than you think–and less work.
- Consider hiring a caterer–if your budget allows.
Holiday Cleaning
- Kitchen – Dust off holiday serving items. Clean the oven.
- China and Glassware – Rinse items in the dishwasher. Crystal should not be put in the dishwasher, since it is more fragile.
- Silverware – Polish
- Tablecloth and Napkins – Wash and press. Hang the tablecloth over a hanger and hang in the closet.
- Closet – Move coats and jackets to another location. Add some extra hangers.
- Consider hiring a cleaning service.
Overnight Guests
- Tidy up the room(s) where your guests will stay. To cut down on laundry, ask them to bring their own bedding (sheets or sleeping bags), pillows and towels.
- Plan for meals other than dinner where guests will be present.
Extra Tips
- Book a babysitter for parties or to give you time to run errands.
- Stock up on first aid items, cough, cold and flu remedies. Refill prescriptions.
- Make Time for Yourself
- Set aside time to book hairdressing, manicure, pedicure, facial, and massage or reflexology appointments.
DELEGATE
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Enlist the assistance of your children, your partner, a friend or a neighbour.
- Many teenagers are willing to babysit, wrap, bake or decorate to earn some extra money. They can also run errands and make deliveries.
- Remember–start with your most important items first. It won’t matter as much if the smaller items don’t get done.
MAKE TIME TO ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS!
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