We all know what to expect come the month of December. Start with a HUGE to-do list, a shopping list, a wish list, add on multiple family functions, a heap of procrastination, and extremely high expectations. It’s no wonder that by the time we hit Christmas, we’re not feeling like it’s the happiest time of the year. I suspect this is also the reason why my husband calls me a Grinch. This year, I am determined to make a change, and I want to help you make that change also!
“People at Christmas time, spend to much, enjoy too little, and pay for it for the next 6 months. The holidays aren’t about getting and having. There about doing and being.”
Holidays have a sneaky way of just happing to you. You may even have a count down going, but somehow holidays take on an unruly mind of their own and just show up unannounced. Which is why a lot of people feel like they did not have a chance to prepare. However, with the correct planning, anticipation, and hard work, you can conquer this dreaded season with ease.
VISUALIZE IT:If you start with clear intentions, your much more likely to achieve your goals. As you lay in bed tonight, close your eyes, and imagine what you want your holiday festivities to include. Retrace these things that you imagine, and when you feel like you have a list going in your mind, grab a journal and jot these things down.
PREPARE:The holidays are like a ship, and you are the captain. You need to have your crew established, the map to wear you are headed, all of the goods and supplies you are going to need on your journey, and most importantly your patience and your agility to combat the rough water ahead.
“People at Christmas time, spend to much, enjoy too little, and pay for it for the next 6 months. The holidays aren’t about getting and having. There about doing and being.”
Holidays have a sneaky way of just happing to you. You may even have a count down going, but somehow holidays take on an unruly mind of their own and just show up unannounced. Which is why a lot of people feel like they did not have a chance to prepare. However, with the correct planning, anticipation, and hard work, you can conquer this dreaded season with ease.
VISUALIZE IT:If you start with clear intentions, your much more likely to achieve your goals. As you lay in bed tonight, close your eyes, and imagine what you want your holiday festivities to include. Retrace these things that you imagine, and when you feel like you have a list going in your mind, grab a journal and jot these things down.
PREPARE:The holidays are like a ship, and you are the captain. You need to have your crew established, the map to wear you are headed, all of the goods and supplies you are going to need on your journey, and most importantly your patience and your agility to combat the rough water ahead.
PRIORITIZE:Decide what holiday traditions are the most important to you. Is it caroling with your family and friends, or decorating the outside of your house with lights? Is it a Christmas party, or maybe a New Years party? Decide on three or four. If you try to accomplish every one of the traditions, you will end up overwhelmed and probably not giving each item the attention it deserves. Once you decide on the things you want to do, build a timeline to decide what needs to be done first, then start a to do list, start to finish. When you hit your to do list, HIT IT HARD! The more adamant you are, the faster things will get knocked off the list, the tasks will be completed better, and people will ultimately see your hard work, dedication and heart.
THINGS YOU MIGHT NEED:*Make a binder that includes a list of things you need along your journey this season, decide if you are going to delegate any tasks to others, and make sure you choose an ultimate goal, based on what means the most to you and your family and focus on that goal. Items within this binder may include, Gifts, Food, Décor, Cards, Songs, Budget, Menus, Wish lists, and any other category that you would find helpful. Purchase all wrapping paper, tags, tape, boxes, postage stamps, ingredients for recipes you plan to cook, Christmas lights, ornaments, hooks, Christmas cards, a good holiday jingle CD or two, and definitely some eggnog!
DELEGATING:Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to knock every task on your list by yourself. You have family who can help, and most importantly you can HIRE SOMEONE! Take your list to your inner circle and ask who would like to do what chore. With the remaining list decide what you would like to do, and lastly what you can outsource! Carpet cleanings and catering are just a couple of the great things you can hire someone to do. If you have little people in your household that you need to shop for, hire a babysitter for the day, utilize the time by starting and finishing all your shopping for them. I understand anyone who is in charge of the holiday madness wants to conquer everything on their list solo without any outside help. They want it done their way, and the bragging rights! However, the wonderful thing about delegating is that you get to choose what is most important to you, and you get to pick those things, and let other people take care of the minor details.
ORGANIZATION:Keep your binder you constructed. This will become your go to all year long for different special events. Make a section for notes, you can remind yourself of things you learned this season. When events are wrapping up, decide what is garbage and what is reusable. And by “reusable” I mean the rest of the roll of wrapping paper you did not use, or the roll of tape you didn’t get though, extra gift tags, decor and ornaments. If you don’t have a large Rubbermaid tub, get one. Label it. Store it in the garage, and organize and label the things you are keeping inside. Trust me, this will make December 2011 much simpler.
QUICK TIPS:Untangle lights before storing and wrap them around a piece of cardboard.
* Buy all-purpose wrapping paper, as it can be used all year for other special occasions. Consider gold, red & silver. I also enjoy the cute lime green color for Christmas, and every other gift giving time!
*Make sure you stay realistic about things, as far as your schedule, your skills, and your wish list. Don’t expect the world of your family, your spouse, or others around you.
* USPS will send you a set of flat rate boxes for free. Check out: USPS.COM
THINGS YOU MIGHT NEED:*Make a binder that includes a list of things you need along your journey this season, decide if you are going to delegate any tasks to others, and make sure you choose an ultimate goal, based on what means the most to you and your family and focus on that goal. Items within this binder may include, Gifts, Food, Décor, Cards, Songs, Budget, Menus, Wish lists, and any other category that you would find helpful. Purchase all wrapping paper, tags, tape, boxes, postage stamps, ingredients for recipes you plan to cook, Christmas lights, ornaments, hooks, Christmas cards, a good holiday jingle CD or two, and definitely some eggnog!
DELEGATING:Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to knock every task on your list by yourself. You have family who can help, and most importantly you can HIRE SOMEONE! Take your list to your inner circle and ask who would like to do what chore. With the remaining list decide what you would like to do, and lastly what you can outsource! Carpet cleanings and catering are just a couple of the great things you can hire someone to do. If you have little people in your household that you need to shop for, hire a babysitter for the day, utilize the time by starting and finishing all your shopping for them. I understand anyone who is in charge of the holiday madness wants to conquer everything on their list solo without any outside help. They want it done their way, and the bragging rights! However, the wonderful thing about delegating is that you get to choose what is most important to you, and you get to pick those things, and let other people take care of the minor details.
ORGANIZATION:Keep your binder you constructed. This will become your go to all year long for different special events. Make a section for notes, you can remind yourself of things you learned this season. When events are wrapping up, decide what is garbage and what is reusable. And by “reusable” I mean the rest of the roll of wrapping paper you did not use, or the roll of tape you didn’t get though, extra gift tags, decor and ornaments. If you don’t have a large Rubbermaid tub, get one. Label it. Store it in the garage, and organize and label the things you are keeping inside. Trust me, this will make December 2011 much simpler.
QUICK TIPS:Untangle lights before storing and wrap them around a piece of cardboard.
* Buy all-purpose wrapping paper, as it can be used all year for other special occasions. Consider gold, red & silver. I also enjoy the cute lime green color for Christmas, and every other gift giving time!
*Make sure you stay realistic about things, as far as your schedule, your skills, and your wish list. Don’t expect the world of your family, your spouse, or others around you.
* USPS will send you a set of flat rate boxes for free. Check out: USPS.COM
* If you travel, send your gifts ahead of time to arrive before you, also when returning home send your gifts back. Usually this is cheaper, and obviously a lot less hectic.
* Pay attention to presentation. This will make a huge difference in the things you accomplish.
Cheers to a happy and absolutely fantastic Christmas, Hanukkah or Ramadan! Remind yourself who the most important people are in your life, and commit to making them happy first and foremost, and do not forget that you are the most important person on your list.
* Pay attention to presentation. This will make a huge difference in the things you accomplish.
Cheers to a happy and absolutely fantastic Christmas, Hanukkah or Ramadan! Remind yourself who the most important people are in your life, and commit to making them happy first and foremost, and do not forget that you are the most important person on your list.
IF YOU HAVE A HOLIDAY DILEMMA FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME @ HANNAHKOZLOWSKI@YAHOO.COM OR WRITE A COMMENT EXPLAINING WHAT IS GOING ON!
