Get Ahead of the Holidays

Feeling overwhelmed this time of year? You're not alone. As much as the holiday season should be about joy and celebration, family and friends, many people find that the traditions and festivities add up to stress and too much to do. If you're determined to make this year different and actually enjoy the season like you used to, we've got some tips to help you make sure the holiday to-do's don't get the best of you! 

Give Yourself Some TLC

• Start with a KISS - Keep It Simple, Santa. This should be your over-arching theme for the season. As a dietitian, I tell my clients not to fill up at holiday celebrations with boring, everyday foods, but rather to save room to enjoy the seasonal foods they really love. The same should apply to holiday traditions and festivities - make time for those that are most important and give you the most joy and skip the rest.
• Remember to take care of yourself. I recently read that we are much more genuinely generous if we remember to give back to ourselves in addition to giving to others. So get your rest, make time for activities that keep you sane (yoga, anyone?), and get yourself a little gift while you're at it - you've been nice, right?

Be Prepared

• Create a holiday planner. Use a basic multi-subject notebook. Create sections for gift lists, holiday card lists, menu planning, decorating, coupons, etc. Bring it with you everywhere, so you can always reference it or add to it.
• If you're tech-savvy, go digital with your lists and planning. Rest-assured, there's an app for that.
• Do a wardrobe check. Make sure you have the perfect party outfit. Stock up on a few key pieces that can be mixed and matched. Nothing is worse than a frantic, last-minute mall trip to find something to wear!
• Hire a cleaner. Arrange to have a cleaner come a few days before your guests. You’ll only have to worry about doing some last minute tidying.

Shop Smart

• Make a list and check it twice!
• Start shopping early. Many retailers are already offering holiday discounts and looking to move goods off their shelves.
• Call ahead if you're looking for a specific item to avoid wasted trips to the mall.
• Shop Online. Online retailers allow you to shop around and find the best prices.
• Shop locally for unique gifts. You will get personalized service without the hassle of long lines and messy stores.
• If you have to go to the mall…try to shop on Monday and Tuesday mornings when stores are less crowded.

Simple Giving

• Buy in bulk. If you are attending several holiday parties, or have a long list of people to buy for, consider picking up a case of wine or chocolates. This way you’ll always have something handy for that last-minute invitation or forgotten gift.
• Color-code your wrapping paper. Dedicate a specific color or print to each family member. This will avoid confusion.
• Secret Snowman. If you have a large family, suggest picking names from a hat, so that each person only has to buy one gift.

Hassle-free Entertaining

• Plan your holiday menu ahead of time. Try to find recipes that can be made in advance and just re-heated. This will allow more time to spend enjoying the party instead of in the kitchen.
• Create a theme and get guests involved. Ask each guest to bring a bottle of their favorite wine and cheese. You’ll only need to provide the crackers and fruit.
• Go potluck!

Bottom Line: While there are endless opportunities to create, bake, shop, and celebrate, just remember that you don't have to do it all! Decide what matters most to you and your family and take time to stop and smell the 'roses.'