Our Favorite Tips for Surviving the Holidays

This time of year is magical with lights and festivities.? A time to celebrate with family and friends. Your schedule now includes gift-giving, shopping, decorating, and cooking.? Possibly travel to and from destinations near and far.? Such exciting times!? However,? it is also very stressful and can take a toll on you.? There is definitely a change in your normal routine and it can sometimes be difficult to handle the pressure.? We at Basic Organization would like to share some helpful tips to help you manage these days ahead.? And above all enjoy the holiday in peace.

We wish you a life of simplicity.

This holiday season is such a busy time of year, that my tip is to give yourself some grace. To fit all the seasonal tasks to your to-do list (shopping, baking, wrapping & celebrating) it’s OK to relax your regular routine a little bit. Make more simple dinners or get take-out a few times, loosen your laundry or cleaning routine, or let your kids have a little more TV time so you can get something done or just relax. You are entitled to enjoy the holidays!? Janet

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Start early. If you see a gift you know someone would like during the year, buy it.

If you’re a person who sends cards out, take a family photo or a photo of a pet for your holiday card. Have it printed with a holiday greeting and your name (you can always add a personal message). Along with the cards, get envelopes printed with your return address then make address labels at home on the computer of who you want to send to and print those out to place on the envelopes. This makes sending out holiday cards a little faster and easier!? Lori

Take time now to think about the activities you routinely do every year to prepare for the holidays – baking, decorating, meal planning, shopping,?hosting guests, traveling,?etc.? Get everything out of your head and jot it down in one place (in a?dedicated notebook/planner or on your computer – whatever works best for you), giving each activity plenty of space to fill in all the to-dos and specifics of that activity. Now you’ll be able to update the lists with new information and check off any tasks you’ve completed. Having everything in one place will help ease the stress of the holiday season.? Denene

A time to celebrate with family and friends.

When I entertain, I really enjoy making and printing out a menu. Setting it nicely on the table or counter, guests are always impressed. Have a charcuterie tray ready for when the guests arrive, that way they can entertain themselves until the feast is ready. Also, try to relax and ask for help when you need it, if you are the host you are also there to enjoy the evening.? Rouba

Schedule self-care and make it non-negotiable. Don’t let your calendar fill up with obligations and burn yourself out. Remember that you are an important part of the ‘family’ when it’s family time. I try to always schedule a bubble bath and Christmas Rom-Com session at least once a week.? Stephanie

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Make a plan and start preparing early. Use the plan as a starting point but be open to change. Pick what is really important and do those things, let the other things go. Be open to saying no to being on the go.? There is not one event or present that is going to make or break the holidays. Stick to some routine you have outside of the holidays; bedtimes, eating healthy, exercise, yoga, prayer, meditation, etc.? ?Sandy

Above all enjoy the holiday in peace.

“I’m making a list. Checking it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty and nice…”

It’s all about lists for me. A to-do list, a grocery list, a gift-giving list.? This is what keeps me on track and less stressed over the holidays.? I can easily check off what’s done and keep going.? Candy

Host a holiday cookie party! Invite a few friends and family members over for a day of baking and spending time together. Everyone leaves with a variety of goodies to eat and share. Make it an annual tradition.

Instead of buying gifts for several members of a family, consider one gift the whole family can enjoy! Pick a theme (such as game night) and stick to a budget.? Michelle

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Collect all those coupons that come through the mail and put them in an envelope.? They come in handy when you’re out and about shopping.? Especially when you need a last-minute gift. ?Share them with others you’re shopping with or even the person behind you in the checkout line.? Everyone likes a good deal!

Remember the gifts you are buying will bring a smile to others. Especially those less fortunate than yourself.? During the holiday season, what better gift could there be?? Sue

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