Simplify Your Holidays in Five Minutes or Less

I have just acquired the last of the 50 state quarters to complete my family’s collection. I’ve been asking around for it for the last several weeks. In fact I even looked up when it was released into circulation. It’s a milestone — a bittersweet end to a decade that passed much more quickly than I could have ever imagined.

Around the time that the quarter collection began, my daughter, 7 years old at the time, lost her first tooth. I remember so clearly being taken aback by the event, as if I had blinked and she moved from being a baby to a little girl. At the time a good friend sent me an email chronicling all the events that I had to look forward to: her first period, her first boyfriend, going off to college and perhaps getting married and having children (and hopefully in that order she joked). Now in the beginning stages of looking into colleges, my daughter has passed the mid point of that list.

For a long time my daughter and her brother, 16 months her junior, eagerly checked change to be the first to find the next coin. But as they aged, this activity was replaced with going out with friends, acting in plays, participating in what seemed like hundreds of sporting events. When their interest waned, I keep the collection going, thinking that some day they would appreciate the finished product.

As for myself, I went through my own evolution in that decade. I turned in my business suits and working outside the home for money for two more children and loads of volunteer work. They call thatstaying at home though I challenge that assertion.

When my husband emailed me this morning to tell me that he had two Hawaii quarters, I got teary eyed. Silly, perhaps. My two little boys have taken an interest in completing the set and are anxious to be the first in their class to bring it toshow and tell. Perhaps something new will come along to mark the time for them as these quarters did for the older two.

Simplify Your Holidays in Five Minutes or Less22058Simplify Your Holidays in Five Minutes or LessFive critical questions to answer to create a stress-free season.
What comes to mind when you think of the holidays? Do you picture yourself sitting by a warm fire creating memories with family and friends or does a wave of panic overwhelm you as you envision your massive holidayto-list? By spending less than five minutes asking yourself five important questions, you can reduce your stress and focus on what matters most this season.

1. Decide on your priorities. You’d never start a large project without a goal, so don’t go into the season without knowing what you want to accomplish. Instead of just going through the motions, define what a successful holiday will look like for you and your family. Without a doubt, the best way to beat stress this holiday season is to be intentional about how you will spend your time, money and energy.

    Ask yourself
    How will I know if this holiday is a success?

2. Eliminate threeto-do’s. Instead of just doing things because you feel obligated, because that’s the way your parents did them or because that’s the way you’ve always done them, take the time to evaluate how important yourto-do’s really are to you and your family. It’s OK to sayno and to create your own traditions. Start by picking three things you can eliminate from your list. You just might find you don’t miss them anyway.

    Ask yourself
    What three things can I eliminate from myto-do list today?

3. Set a budget. Surprises can be good when they come in small packages but not when they arrive in January in an envelope from your credit card company.

To ensure you don’t overspend and get yourself into financial trouble, it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. When you know how much you want to spend, it will save you from making those unnecessary impulse purchases. Remember to include incidental expenses for things such as food, alcohol and decorations.

      Ask yourself
      How much do I want to spend this holiday?

4. Ask for help. Asking for help can be one of the toughest things we can do, especially for women. Oftentimes we feel we have to do it all. It can be a great opportunity, however, for those people in our lives to feel more of a part of the celebration. It’s also a great way for our kids to learn new skills. This year look at asking for help as a gift you can give to your family and friends.

      Ask yourself
      Who can I ask to help?

5. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Whenever possible, if there’s an easier way to accomplish something do it. Most likely no one will notice you didn’t make the appetizers from scratch or you didn’t wrap the gifts just so. Perfectionism can lead to frustration.

     Ask yourself
     Where can I make my life easier by not sweating the small stuff?

By spending just five minutes asking yourself these five simple questions you can reduce your stress and create a holiday you will truly enjoy. Your small investment will pay you back by saving you time, money and energy.

For even more help in creating a holiday you love, download the free 10-page Holiday Declutter Guide, which is jam packed with suggestions for reducing your stress and focusing on what matters most this holiday season. Log on to www.declutterbootcamp.com for details.