Less Stress During The Holiday Season

  Holidays can be stressful from the time the turkey is eaten until the time that we ring in the new year. One of the main dilemmas we face is how to be giving and festive while on a budget. Here are some things that have helped me this Christmas season.

1. Limit your decorations. I know that we love all the pretty lights, and the poinsettias, and the tree, and that wooden reindeer in the corner. That doesn’t mean that we have to have them all. For me certain decorations hold certain memories or significance, but others do not. If you love going all out decorating, that’s great. If not, don’t force yourself to. It won’t make you feel any more festive.

2. Recycle. Growing up we had one box of decorations that we used every year. Most were first Christmas ornaments. Others were old grade school projects. Most years we used an artificial tree. It was special and saved allot of money.

3. Make decorations. This is particularly fun for younger children. String popcorn or make wrapping paper chains. Our favorite was dad making the Star of David for our tree out of Popsicle sticks. It became a family tradition.

4. Get your shopping done between Halloween and Christmas. Avoid the crowded stores during the crazy and dreaded Black Friday. Don’t be stressed about not getting your shopping done yet. Are you shopping online? This ensures plenty of postal time and most items will be in stock. Even if you don’t get all your shopping done, you’ll feel ahead of the chaos.

5. Dollar stores are great for cards, party favors and stocking stuffers. They are also a good place to get disposable baking pans for those of us who don’t bake during the rest of the year.