Clutter Busting Coach

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holiday plan

Surviving the Holidays: Celebrate Wisely

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Many of us treat ourselves during the holiday season. Enjoying the festivities and the food is fine, just be smart about it.

Plan ahead so you can wisely enjoy holiday foods and treats. Here are some tips:

  • Prior to each event plan on which foods you will consume in moderation.
  • Bring a healthy option to the buffet.
  • Share that holiday dessert with someone else.
  • Watch your serving size. Use a smaller plate and be familiar with normal serving sizes.
  • Alternate a drink with a glass of water.
  • If you are indulging, take your time eating and you will likely consume less. Pause between bites or put your fork down occasionally.
  • Continue your regular physical activity schedule.

By being aware and planning ahead you can treat yourself wisely. Enjoy the holidays!

Holiday Countdown- The Six Week Plan

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Having an eight week timeframe for planning the holidays is ideal. But it is still doable in the six weeks remaining before the holiday. Here is an outline of tasks to accomplish week by week for the next six weeks to take the stress out of the holidays.

  •  6 weeks: develop gift list, set up gift-wrapping center shop/wrap ½ of gift list, develop card list, address envelopes/create holiday letter/copy
  • 5 weeks: shop/wrap ½ of gift list, finalize baking/menu list, buy stamps gather return labels
  • 4 weeks: decorate outdoors, write holiday cards, buy baking supplies
  • 3 weeks: decorate indoors, mail gifts/cards
  • 2 weeks: attend/host parties, buy grocery staples, bake/cook ahead, begin cleaning/finalize holiday menu
  • 1 week: finish baking/cleaning, buy perishable groceriesSo put these tasks in your calendar and you’ll be on the road to feeling prepared and calm this holiday season.

If you would like to receive a copy of my Six Week Holiday Checklist, contact me.

 

Holiday Count Down- 18 days to go!

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So how is your holiday planning going? With 2-1/2 weeks to go before Christmas where are you with you to do list?

Have you been able to break your task list down and handle a little bit at a time or has life gotten in the way and here you are still scrambling and stressed out about all the things you need to do before the celebrations begin (if they haven’t begun already for you)?

Even if you are just getting started here are some ideas to divide and conquer your holiday task list:

  • Review you gift buying list and simplify. Consider purchasing gift cards or giving coupons for tasks or time.
  • Set up a wrapping station. Wrap the gifts that need to be mailed.
  • Set aside time to address holiday cards or eliminate that task and plan a New Year’s communication.
  • Schedule a baking day the week before Christmas. Then put it and a grocery trip in your calendar. Recruit helpers for the project. Bake with a friend, your children (new holiday tradition?) or relative. Or make arrangement to do a cookie exchange.

Ask yourself what is most important to you this holiday season and focus on getting those things done in the next 18 days. This can help take some of the stress out of these last few weeks.

 

Holiday Countdown – Checking in

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We are now 4-1/2 weeks away from Christmas. Where are you with your holiday planning? If you started around November 1 you should be making some progress on your task list and hopefully you are feeling less stressed.

Have you been able to break your task list down and handle a little bit at a time?

Even if you are just getting started here are some ideas to divide and conquer your holiday task list in four weeks:

  • Select two days each week to work on your holiday to-do list. Write it in your calendar.
  • Group errands together. Buy all the children’s gifts at the same time. Buy staples and stocking stuffers from the same store.
  • Delegate tasks to other household members. Get your family members (based on age and skill level) to help with items still left on the “to do” list such as decorating, baking, wrapping, shopping or decorating.

Make your plan and work your plan and your holiday will be joyful instead of stressful.

 

 

Holiday Countdown- Ready, Set…Started!

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November 1 is the magic date to start your holiday to do list. So have you started yet?  Starting at the beginning of November will ensure a stress-free holiday. Even if you argue that you aren’t in the holiday spirit yet, think about the joy you will have when you can actually experience less stress in December and enjoy your holiday celebrations.

If I haven’t convinced you yet, here are some benefits to starting your holiday plan early.

Get Thrifty

Planning early can help you find the funds to celebrate in style and for less. Beginning early can keep your budget on track, help you avoid impulse spending and allows you to take advantage of seasonal specials. [Read more…] about Holiday Countdown- Ready, Set…Started!