Ahhh, the HOLIDAYS. The Thanksgiving chicken comes out of the oven golden brown, with an enticing aroma that fills the entire house. The family is gathered for HOLIDAY pictures, the children are poised perfectly; hands to themselves, not a hair out of place and their smiles are shining brightly for the camera. Then just as the photographer is about to capture the shot… you wake up!
Let's be realistic ladies. Without proper planning, the HOLIDAYS are anything but a holiday. Just look at the list of things that need to be done: SHOPPING, COOKING, CLEANING, DECORATING, sending holiday mail, the list goes on and on.
If you are ready to get a head start on organizing yourself, your family and your holiday check lists, then keep reading:
Holiday Cards: Be sure to stock up on stamps so that when you have your cards signed, stuffed and addressed you can affix a stamp to them and make one, simple trip to the Post Office.
Holiday Gifts: Many of us tend to want to be generous when shopping for holiday gifts. While your generosity will be appreciated at gift giving time, keep in mind that it is very easy to succumb to "impulse buying" and go all out on your holiday shopping. While your intentions may be good, your pocketbook may be singing a different song. Set a budget and stick to it – your bank account will thank you for it after the start of the New Year.
Wrap it up: Wrap your gifts and place nametags on them immediately after you bring them home, then store the gifts in a secure spot.
Baking & cooking: If you will be COOKING during the holidays, it is important to plan your meals ahead of time. Be sure to stock up ahead of time on all the necessary non-perishable baking ingredients such as flour, sugar and spices. Create a list of your holiday menus and a list of the ingredients you will need to prepare each of those meals. Also, try to think of a few dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and then frozen as an extra timesaving measure.
Enjoy: Whatever you decide to do, remember to relax and enjoy yourself. You and your family will have much fonder memories of this holiday season. "HAVE FUN WITH YOUR FAMILY AND KIDS."
