Tackle the holidays like you do fudge, take little bites and you can eat more! 

Remember, for a stress free holiday it’s PAR for the course!

PRIORITIZE          ACTION          REST

is the cure for

CHAOS

CAN’T INVITE ANYONE OVER SYNDROME

First things first.  Tackle your house in little bites.

EVERY day, you’ll  spend 15 minutes on three different areas:  Living Room, Kitchen and Bathroom.  Set a timer and get to it! 

You’ll be amazed how much you can get done in 15 minutes! 

This way, these three areas are more clean than not.

After 45 minutes, your “areas” are done and you will REST for 15 minutes!

Once you’re in the habit of doing this, you can always have a clean house!

Holiday Stress Busters

Make a Budget.  Stick to it.

Nothing sucks the fun out of the holidays more than increased debt!  Pay cash whenever you can, and if you have to charge something, MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN PAY IT OFF WITHIN THREE MONTHS.  If you can’t, you really can’t afford it.  The joy of the gift will get lost in the stress and worry that comes from the bills afterwards.

Find Magic Money!

What can you do without or pare back this month to create more cash flow?  This can be a fun game all in itself!

You’re Making a List…You’re Checking it Twice!

It’s easier to stay on track and on budget when you have a list.  Who, what, size, where you purchased it. etc.  If you have to send packages, buy those presents first and ship them as soon as you have them!  Better yet, order them online, and look for free shipping deals!

Break your food shopping list into two groups, Perishable and Non-Perishable.  Buy Non-Perishable first and have it done.  You’ll make two trips, but the Perishable list will be a snap because it’s small!  You’ll be in and out in no time!

COMMIT TO UNTIL FINISHED:

Ten Holiday Cards a Day - you won’t get writer’s cramp and it won’t be overwhelming!  Put a heartfelt message in each one.  That’s where the joy of the holiday comes in!  Tell people why they’re important to you!

Wrap Two  Presents a Day - get all of your wrapping supplies together, decide where your “station” will be, and leave it there.  You will save loads of time not having to look for the tape, scissors..etc.

Fake and Bake!

If you do holiday baking anyway, make it simple!  Make up cookie dough in advance.  Store in the fridge.  Every evening, bake something!  Get parchment paper so you don’t have to clean cookie sheets, and simply throw away your mess after each batch!  Your house will smell amazing every evening, and most cookies freeze beautifully!

Don’t Get Scrooged!

Do at least one charitable thing every day.  Whether you held a door, offered a kind word or donated your time or money, you have made a difference in the day of someone else.  Guess what?  They’ll make a difference in yours!

FINAL TIPS

Give Clutter Free Presents -

 they should be able to use it, wear it, or eat it! 

ENJOY!

Only commit to the things you REALLY want to do.

Capture the Moments!

At the end of each day, find something to be grateful for.  Watch how quickly your heart fills.  It’s better than a full stocking any day of the year.

 

With my Best Wishes!

Laura