Get Ready for Happy Holidays
By Candice Pardue
Photo: © Wojciech Gajda - Dreamstime
 The holiday season is a time of giving and visiting with family. Unfortunately, it's also a time of stress for many families. Financial burdens seem to be the greatest this time of year and organizing parties and gatherings can be stressful too. The holiday season doesn't have to be stressful; here are some ways to make your holidays fun and reduce stress.
1. Start Gift Shopping Early
List gifts you know you'll be responsible for and start shopping for them early. Even $5 to $15 gifts add up in a hurry when you must buy several of them along with your immediate family's gifts. Often, you can buy the smaller gifts throughout the year and put them away for later. No one will ever notice and you won't be overwhelmed with gifts to buy when the holidays arrive.
2. Stock up on Nonperishable Food Items
Stocking up ahead of time is a great way to save time on shopping. Canned goods will last a very long time, and you can store them in a box labeled "Holidays" to keep them separate in your cabinets. Around the holidays you'll only need to buy perishable items like fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, cheese and eggs.
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3. Keep Holiday Decorations Organized
If you usually just throw your decorations back in the box at the end of the holiday season, you might be causing more stress than necessary. Organize your decorations, and make a list of needed replacements for the following year. Once you begin organizing, decorating for the holidays will be much easier. You'll actually enjoy it!
4. Don't Over Commit
Over committing to holiday projects causes tremendous stress; a person can only handle so many tasks before becoming exhausted and frustrated! If you find yourself having too many responsibilities, delegate some to other coworkers, family or friends. If you're cooking a meal, ask several people to bring dishes so you won't have to cook so many items. If you're putting together gifts or activities for a special gathering, ask a few people to join with you in planning.
5. Enjoy Your Time with Family
If you're too busy to spend time with your family, you're simply too busy! Make time to play with your kids and their new toys. When you meet with your extended family, interact with them and find out how their year has been. Don't focus on food and cleanup too much—that can always wait. You might not see some members of your family for the rest of the year, so enjoy their holiday visit.
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