Keeping the Stress Less During the Holidays

Yeah right. Okay, holiday stress will probably get to you a little bit if it hasn't already. I don't know about you, but it definitely snuck up on me. With two dogs who are pretty stinky, a newborn who is pretty cranky, a stepson in college, and getting readjusted to going back to work, I kind of put the holidays on the back burner. Which seemed like a good idea, only now they are here! Actually, one just passed and I don't even know how that happened. Thankfully someone else cooked me Thanksgiving dinner. So really, how can you keep the stress at a minimum during the holidays?

1. Say No, No Thank You, Thank you, but I can't, Sorry, my schedule is too crazy. Any one of those suggestions will help you get out of overcommitting yourself. Say No!!!!

2. Bake in huge batches. Do you have a bizillion parties to bake for? Then bake a boatload of the same goodie, chop it up (extra small if you have to) and bring it to every party. You don't have to bake different treats for every party so don't.

3. Regift. Yes. That is what I said, regift. Don't give someone something you just want to get rid of, but look at things you have that you haven't used. Do you have 100 candles that you will never burn? Give them away to people who really like candles. You can clean house, make someone's day, and save money all at once.

4. Be honest with your friends. Don't have the cash this season? Tell your friends - Hey, money is tight right now, instead of exchanging gifts why don't we rent a movie and hang out some time in January when the craziness dies down. Your friends will probably thank you - I know I would.

5. Save a day. Block off one day in your calendar before the holidays. Don't plan anything for that day, take it off work if you can, and leave it totally open. This is your In Case of Emergency Day. This way you have one day to do last minute baking, shopping, or cleaning. And if everything is all done, make yourself some coffee or tea, curl up on your couch and watch cheesy movies.

6. Ignore your In-Laws. Okay, not completely, but ignore those in your family and in your circle of friends who have a knack for pointing out everything you DIDN'T do this holiday season. When someone mentions, "Gee, you make five different kinds of cookies last year, I guess that baby of yours must really be more than you can handle." Bite your tongue, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that they must be feeling the stress of the holidays too. You can curse them out in your head, just be sure you use your internal voice. Not the out-loud one.

7. Remind yourself the end is near. As fast as the holidays can creep up on us, the faster they will be over with. Then it is time for a new year!!!