Time to read: 58 seconds
For the next few newsletters, as the holidays approach like a speeding train, I am going to give you one tool a week designed to make your holiday easier, smoother, and more joyful.
Tool #1 Simplify
You are probably already gift shopping, menu planning, and either traveling or expecting guests. You might have office parties, friend gatherings, and time with family. The sheer volume of activity can be overwhelming, even if you love the holidays. If you have a family conflict or aren't a big fan of the holidays, the stress can be huge.
My strong recommendation: Simplify
Pick one aspect of the holidays that means a lot to you and simplify everything else. For me, I love the food. Planning, shopping, preparing and eating. However, I wrap gifts in newspapers and reusable cloth bags. I don't bother with fancy packaging.
If you have many priorities, how can you do less of each one? Maybe make 3 kinds of cookies instead of 10. Serve cheese instead of homemade snacks. Organize a potluck rather than do all the cooking yourself.
I've already heard many clients and friends say, "How am I going to get everything done before the holidays?" Look for every place you can simplify so you have more time for yourself and those you love.
Next week, I'll share how to know if you're doing too much and what else you can do about that.
Ho! Ho! Ho!