Time to Organize

I spent some time this weekend Christmas shopping. As I was browsing the toy aisle for my daughter's requested toys, I was pondering my year and the busy season we are in. The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy. But for many of us, they're a time filled with stress, over-commitment and turbulence. Instead of enjoying them, we end up stressed out, frustrated and wondering where the joy went in this "joyful season."

Here are some tips to minimize the holiday chaos and drama.

1. Only RSVP "yes" to holiday parties you actually have time and desire to attend! And please, for the sake of all who love you, resist the urge to coerce others into attending the parties you don't want to attend. None of us want to walk into that dreaded work party alone, but if your significant other doesn't want to be there, they'll just make the party miserable for everyone involved! Do yourself a favor and minimize your party schedule.

2. Shop online. Busy holiday crowds can turn the simplest errand into a headache-inducing nightmare. Retailers like King Soopers and Wal-Mart now offer online shopping and delivery or quick pick-up at the store. Take advantage of these time-savers! Create Amazon wishlists and let your kids add items. I send the link to their wishlist (upon request) to out of town family members to save time on returns and exchanges and I've been amazed at how well it's worked!

3. Don't procrastinate! If you're hosting a holiday get-together, create a list of all the tasks you need to do before the party. Make a list of all the stores you need to shop (see above online shopping suggestions.) Leave as little as possible for the day of the party and leave extra time for those last-minute emergencies.

4. Down-size your "To Do" list. Easier said than done...I know that. But many of the tasks we think are required during the holidays just AREN'T!!! I've seen clients who were in the middle of moving their entire household insist on taking two days to make Christmas cookies for all their neighbors, kid's teachers and friends. The undue stress far outweighed the joy those cookies were meant to give. Budget your time to give things you LOVE time to happen. But don't do things out of obligation, especially in times of stress.

5. Hire Domestic Bliss to help! We offer house cleaning, packing/unpacking, organizing and more! Don't wait until January to get on the right track!

Here's wishing you a happy and stress-free holiday season!