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This blog post is a part of the Mommy Perks Entrepreneur’s Gift Guide, 2009.
With the holidays upon us it’s easy to get stressed out, rushing around, hoping not to forget anyone on our list, planning for parties, shopping for special outfits and searching for recipes.
Here are a few tips to help you muddle through:
Tip #1:
Keep the true meaning of the holiday at the forefront of your mind. This way, if you do mess up, you’ll give yourself permission to forgive and forget. “This too shall pass.” The bigger picture of the season should always remain your focus.
Tip #2:
Do you find yourself depressed during the holidays? You are not alone. Visit Dr. Rodino’s site for numerous expert articles related to dealing with holiday depression.
Tip #3:
It’s the thought that counts. This really needs to apply at all times, especially during the holidays. If you can’t afford to buy luxurious gifts for everyone on your list, that’s okay. Each year, I hand select something nice for the people on our list – one person at a time. I try to buy something special that speaks right to who they are and what I know they would want; even if the gift costs just $5. I keep my ears peeled year round for hints of what they might enjoy. It helps to be attentive.
Tip #4:
Shop early if you can. Avoid those last minute trips to the mall where you end up slapping the credit card down, in desperation, paying 3 x what you had planned. It’s simply not worth the credit card charges that will remain, long after the holiday has passed.
Tip #5:
Buy year round if possible. Seek out online sales or brick & mortar sales. Have a little spot in your closet or under your bed, designated for gifts. Be sure to mark the gifts so you don’t forget who you bought them for in the first place (and…don’t let your kids know where your hiding place is!).
Tip #6:
Save time and gas by shopping online. Look for deals, bargains, close-out sales, discount codes that you can enter at check-out, etc. FREE shipping deals are always a plus, too. Not only have you saved the mileage on your vehicle now, you have saved the shopping trip and paid nothing for shipping – right to your door!
Tip #7:
Make a conscious decision to support small businesses – where the money is put right back into our economy (rather than padding the pockets of top CEO’s who store their money in off-shore accounts and spend what they have on out-of-country trips – SOAPBOX moment there 
). I made this decision last year and it felt wonderful knowing my holiday money went to numerous small business owners, working hard to support their families. This year my husband and I have agreed to buy our gifts from the entrepreneur’s listed in the Mommy Perks Gift Guide!
Tip #8:
Wrap your gifts before Christmas Eve It’s very stressful to be forced to stay up until the wee hours of the morning, wrapping away. Finish that task prior to the holiday festivities and you’ll feel much more relaxed.
Tip #9:
Are you looking for something special and unique that wasn’t “made in China” (sorry) and won’t break after 2 uses? Ask around. Your friends will most likely be able to offer suggestions and/or refer you to the right place. There are countless moms working at home now, making products and toys/books/games and clothing. These usually make the most unique gifts so don’t be afraid to ask around!
Tip #10:
Remember to have fun and enjoy your time together. Make crafts, bake with your kids or grandkids, go for walks, play in the snow, build a snowman, honor a family time of reflection and/or prayer, watch a movie like “The Christmas Story” together (a family tradition of ours), play games, sing carols, attend Christmas Eve service, invite a homeless person to dinner (or someone who doesn’t have any family to spend the holidays with), etc. Make memories and take photos.
In closing, it’s my belief that a parent’s job is to establish roots and wings. Roots – so your children will always have a loving place to come home to. Wings – so they are well equipped to leave and take care of themselves.
Here’s wishing your holiday season is filled with roots…and wings.
[...] #2: 10 de-stressing tips for the holidays including a link to valuable holiday depression [...]