BlogHer Life Well Lived: Getting Happy

Hi there!  BlogHer asked me to write a post giving my best tips for surviving the holiday season of parties, celebrations, and family get-togethers. Well, this is something that I've been thinking about a lot lately, like I'm sure we all are.  This is the first Christmas I will be getting ready for with both of my children in school all day.  Honestly, I thought that I would have all of my holiday shopping done before Halloween since I thought I would have all kinds of free time.  Well, that didn't happen.  


This is going to be my strategy to survive this holiday season.  Get things done early! I'm going to write down all of the upcoming events with a sub-list of things that need to be done or bought to make that event successful.  I don't want to be running to the store the night before because I forgot something.

I addition to this I also have a spreadsheet of gifts to buy.  This also includes a budget, what I plan to buy and what I've already bought.  This includes gifts for neighbors, teachers, coaches, etc.  Last year I did something crazy and decided that I wasn't going to give anyone a gift card.  I'm going to try my best to do that again this year.  I think people really like opening gifts rather than a gift card.

I went grocery shopping this morning and really stocked up on pantry staples.  We don't live super close to a grocery store and it's really a waste of time to run to the store to get one thing, but I do it all the time. This is just an example of utilizing time and so you don't waste it later.

The reason I'm getting things done early is so that I'm not rushing around like a chicken with it's head cut off trying to get everything done in time.  I'm also going to be doing some online shopping to save gas and aggravation of crowds.

When you have everything under control, you are not worrying about what's coming next.  You can enjoy the moment and be present with your family and friends, and that's really such a great present to yourself.  


Have a great day!