Ten Tips for Surviving-Thriving-the Holidays!

Ok, we all know we LOVE the holidays, yet at the same time they are crazy! The hustle & bustle is a blast until we are wounded by the shrapnel! So here are some tips that have helped our family enjoy "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"

1. Start from the same side
   Set aside a night in October/November to discuss the holidays. What do we want to do this year? Do we travel, do we stay home? Is it just our family or friends too? Re-evaluate your traditions. Are they working for you? What would you like to change? Communicate openly and honestly about why you like or dislike what you've done in the past.

2. Make a calendar plan
   Decide what days you will travel or host a party? Do you have work parties already planned? What about kids' concerts or church services? Write those dates on the family calendar/iCal/outlook/google calendar/piece of paper you carry with you for the next 8 weeks. Every member of the family who is responsible enough to keep a calendar (this includes teenagers) needs to put those dates on your calendar. These are your skeleton. Items will be added and taken away, but you have a place to start

3. Communicate to your family
  If you always drive from Florida to your grandma's in Wisconsin, but this year you're going to stay in the Sunshine State for Christmas, you need to communicate this to your family. Communicate with "we" statements. "Hey, mom, this year WE have decided to stay home for Christmas. WE have had a busy year, and WE need some down time this Christmas. Would you like to come here? WE would love to have you." Not, "Bob needs some rest. I would love to come, but he needs to stay here." You are on the same side and communicate to your family that way. Also, it's best if you talk to your family and your husband talks to his.

4. Make a budget
   If you haven't already decided how much you're going to spend on each person, do it now. If you have realized that Christmas comes every year and have been saving, well done you! For the rest of us who aren't quite as with-it, we need to make financial decisions now before we start shopping. If you have already bought some Christmas presents that you've stuffed under a bed or in closet, find them now and include them in your budget.

5. Schedule nothing time
What? Nothing time? Yes, at this time our family is going to reconnect and just hang together. Maybe play a game or read a book together or make some music. I would avoid technology for those times. Movies and Wii are great, but scheduling some nothing time goes a long way to recharge from the busyness. Don't think it will just happen. Write it down!

6. Use the Internet for shopping, but don't abuse it
  It's easy to surf and forget what you're doing online! Choose a time to focus on shopping. Set a timer and don't go to any website that are not involved in your Christmas shopping. Don't go to Facebook, Blogger, or email, because you'll get distracted! Except my blog, because, well, you like me.

7. Decorate with Friends
  Trade time with a friend and decorate together. Do your house one day and hers the next. Include your kids or send them out with the hubby. It's always more fun to do this together. We have a tree trimming party most years and that is always a great time with friends!

8. Keep extra food and presents on hand
  For a few meals a week, make a double recipe and freeze the second batch. When people are suddenly coming or you're invited someplace, you'll have great food on hand to serve or bring. Or simply, you can't seem to do anything more than turn on a oven and fall into a chair with a glass of wine while your children decorate the house with toilet paper...anyway.  Buy a couple extra sussies to have on hand has hostess gifts or the "ohcrapIforgotyouwerecomingandIdon'thaveagiftforyou" present. Choose things that don't spoil or go out of style and are nice tokens to honor people. Candles, pretty notebooks, card sets, Starbucks cards are all nice things to keep around. If you don't have to run to a store in December, your life is better.

9. Relax and say no.
  Oh, just one more party! One more event! That would be great, but I'll have to say no. Feel the freedom to not do 18 cookie exchanges and 10 secret santas. Choose what's most important to you and say no to the rest.

10. Remember what you're celebrating
  Thanksgiving and Christmas are times to stop and reflect and celebrate. Thanksgiving is a time to remember the blessing in our lives and the freedom we have because of some brave people who were fleeing persecution. Christmas is the celebration of God's ultimate rescue plan. Jesus left the throne of heaven to come into this world fully human as a helpless baby. We love and give from a thankful heart because God first loved us enough to rescue us.

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Have a great Holiday Season!