Sharing…Why the holidays ARE less stressful for me?

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Holiday help things I found to be helpful!

Why the holidays ARE less stressful for me?

Thinking about the upcoming holidays made me realize that I’m not as stressed or overwhelmed as I used to feel in previous years.

And it made me wonder, “Why is that and what am I doing differently?”

Why ARE the holidays less stressful for me? Join us on this podcast to hear share what has really helped my family and myself.

 

Holiday decorations organized.

OK….this one was a biggie!

Decorating for the holidays used to be a bit of a “dreaded chore” in our house.

My husband and I did not look like the couples in the Hallmark Christmas movies: All smiles and full of love working together…no, that DEFINITELY didn’t happen. There was hassle, grunts and sometimes even a few “harsh” words… not a good start for creating the beginnings of holiday festivities.

But, I learned with some simple, helpful tips from professional organizer, Susan Parziale (Parz-e-allie,) ways to organize holiday decorations that have made a huge difference.

                                                           Related: Organization Tips For Holiday Decorations

Purchasing Gifts…

I also use a simplified gift formula that comes from Amanda Morin.

Sometimes just figuring out what to buy for everybody makes me feel overwhelmed…sometimes to the point that I don’t really function very well.

But I love Amanda’s suggestions for reducing the number of gifts by using a simplified gift formula for each child.

She calls it: Want, Need, Wear, Read. Listen to learn more.

 

Grinch Popcorn Recipe

For teacher’s gifts, therapist’s gifts, and for those that I want to say a special “thank you” to, I’ve always made it a point to learn to make one really delicious treat that they’re not going to get elsewhere and package it nicely using containers or gift bags from the dollar store.

I really can’t afford to buy everybody that helps my daughter an expensive gift, but I try to make sure that they know that we appreciate them.

 

 

Related: Stress-Free Cookie Decorating with Kids

Forced Family FUN!!

We also instituted “forced family fun”… I say “forced” because that’s how it started out, but now it’s become so much fun that we all look forward to it.

 

 

Links mentioned in this episode:

Organization Tips For Holiday Decorations

Want Need Wear Read: The Holiday Gift Strategy

Grinch Popcorn Recipe

Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt Can You FInd?

Organization for the Holidays!

8 Tips to prepare your family members with special needs for the Holiday Season?