Does the holiday season stress you out?
Do you wish you could run away from it all?
Do you feel bombarded by the commercialism of it all?
The holiday season need not be this way. Let’s look at 4 sure ways to embrace the festive season in a positive, organized way.
Step 1 – Keep it Simple
Keeping it simple will allow you to have way more fun, more time, more money and less stress.
Gift Giving
Create a theme for gift-giving. I love the gift of time. Set up dates with friends and family members to go for lunch, a manicure or special holiday production. Get your friends and family on-board with this idea. This will cut down on the pressure to buy gifts.
Food
Create a theme for your menus, pick a country and create all your meals around those traditional foods. This is a great way to learn about other countries and keeps your grocery shopping and meal planning simple.
What about pot lucks? You get tons of variety and what better way to experience a food theme! Encourage your guests to keep it simple and healthy.
Most important to remember: Less is more! Keep in mind the reason for the season, why you are getting together with friends and family and what kind of memories you want to make.
Step 2 – Make a Plan and Prioritize
How would you like to spend the holidays? It may not be realistic to have everything you want or wish for, so make a plan and then prioritize each item.
For example, you may not be able to do all the baking or cooking; this is an area where you can ask for help. Why not do a cookie exchange with a few of your friends. This is a fun way to spend 2 or 3 hours catching up and visiting while baking.
Step 3 – Set Up a Master To-Do List
Now that you have your plan, make a Master To-Do List that is divided into subjects like shopping, a grocery list, menu ideas, activities and errands. Break your Master To-Do List down into small manageable “To-Do’s” and look at your priorities. What can you do? What can someone else do? What really does not have to be done?
Step 4 – Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
What on your Master To-Do List can you delegate?
For example; if you are planning a family activity instead of gift giving who could you put in charge of looking for that fun activity?
Who could you ask to help with setting the table?
Who would be the best person to do the decorating?
Rowena List is an organizing expert specializing in home organization. Grab your FREE copy of Rowena’s new e-Book; Organized in 15 Minutes. The e-Book gives you a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less. Download your free copy now at: http://www.GettingItTogether.ca