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Tis the Season to be JOLLY!
8 Tips to Keeping the “Bah, Humbug!” out of your Holidays
During times of holiday hustle and bustle and stress at it’s highest, it’s sometimes hard to stop and regroup. Below are some tips that can help revive your spirits and have you back in step with the holiday cheer!
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STICK TO A BUDGET. Before you do your giſt and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Ten stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of giſts. Instead, try more affordable alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone’s name, give special homemade giſts or start a family giſt exchange.
BE REALISTIC. Te holidays don’t have to be perfect or the same every year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals oſten change as well. Choose a few specival ones to hold on to, but also be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house for the holidays, find new ways to celebrate together… i.e., use Skype, phone, share photos, etc to connect.
3 4 54 | AKA Mom | Winter 2011
REACH OUT. If you’re feeling lonely or isolated, seek out community or other social events. Tey can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to liſt your spirits and start new friendships.
PLAN AHEAD. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, giſt wrapping, visiting friends and family, etc. Plan your holiday menu and then make your shopping list. Tat will help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy any forgotten ingredients. Recruit your kids for party prep and cleanup!
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