What holiday Planning Tips For Busy Moms

Ahhh, Holidays …… Thanksgiving turkeys come out of a golden brown oven, with a delicious aroma that fills the whole house. The whole of China is in a clean state and not a single piece of the set is missing. The family is packed with holiday photos, the kids are in good shape; their hands, not the hair that is out of place and their smiles shining brightly on camera. Then as the photographer is about to take a picture ... he wakes up! Let's be real women. Without proper planning, the holidays are not a holiday. Just look at the to-do list: Buying, cooking, cleaning, decorating, sending holiday mail, the list goes on and on. Let me show you all a few important questions to ask yourself so that you can have a stress-free holiday, and instead be filled with fun and laughter: What kind of holiday celebrations do you want? Example: Do you want to have a close family only a holiday story or an extravaganza that includes a close and extended family and a few friends? Once you have thought through everything and decided on the type of holiday party you would like, you can start making your own plans. When you are ready to start planning for yourself, your family and your holiday lists, keep reading: Holiday Cards: Start Early! I use the list of holiday cards I get to save names and addresses on holiday cards my family received over the years. I have created a simple, computer-friendly list that is easy to edit and print on address labels. Be sure to keep them stamped so that when your cards are signed, stamped and addressed you can attach them to them and take one trip to the Post Office. Holiday Gifts: There is no such thing as getting a BIG credit card bill by mail at the start of the new year. Most of us have a laid back attitude when it comes to purchasing holiday gifts. While your giving will be greatly appreciated when you give gifts, remember that it is very easy to be overwhelmed by “buying out” and then going out on vacation. While your intentions may be good, your purse may sing a different song. Set a budget and stick to it - your bank account will thank you for it after the start of the new year. Wrap: Wrap your presents and place tags on them as soon as you bring them home, and keep the gifts in a safe place. This will minimize those night wraps that I am sure we ALL have experienced a few times, if not every year. Baking and cooking: If you are going to cook during the holidays, it is important to plan your meals well in advance. Be sure to collect in advance all the necessary non-perishable ingredients such as flour, sugar and spices. Create a list of your holiday menus and a list of ingredients you will need to prepare each of those meals. Also, try to think of a few dishes that can be prepared in advance and refrigerated as an extra time saver Messenger: This is one of my favorite tips. Be sure to ask for help from your family or friends. Sit down and discuss what to do and ask for volunteers. If there are no raised hands, simply assign each of them a small task. Whether it’s arranging a babysitter so you can escape the baby’s free day shopping, pass the shopping list to another family member or friend so they can take things for you, or let the kids decorate your home. Make sure you include the whole family in preparing for the holiday so you don't get frustrated. Enjoy: Whatever you decide to do, remember to relax and enjoy. You and your family will have fond memories of this holiday season if you do not spend your hair.