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12/07/2009 00:40 am

Superwomen....Destress The Holidays!

Each year you promise yourself that you won't have a rushed, stressed, last minute Holiday season, but yet, each year it happens. Well, it happens to the best of us, but this year let me help you do it different. Follow these five tips for a more meaningful and peaceful Holiday season:

1. Don't over commit yourself:

  • Say no to anything that will over commit your time
  • Start now and slow your work schedule down and give yourself an extra day off (or two)
  • Keep focused on people & activities that bring love & joy (just say no to drama and negativity this year).

2. Plan well. Plan ahead.

  • Write Holiday cards over time (try allotting 15 minutes a night until its done)
  • Delegate to husband and kids-let the family help with Holiday duties
  • Ask people for gift ideas instead of wasting time 'thinking and hoping'
  • Skip the mall and shop online - start in the CCC boutique or places like redenvelope.com

3. Stick to your budget

  • Create a budget for everything; travel, gifts, office party etc. DON'T go over it!
  • Be creative with gifts. Instead of expensive gifts buy special ones like an engraved purse mirror ($20) or their favorite bottle of wine
  • Encourage extended family members to pick names (for gift exchange) and adhere to a budget per gift
  • Use cash not credit cards
  • Skip expensive greeting cards instead partner up with your kids and make Holiday cards for close family members

4. Attitude of gratitude (and love and joy!)

  • Be the first to stop the gossip train or the fighting. Instead be armed with a couple jokes or inspirational stories.
  • Be the one to say grace this year and be prepared.
  • Skip the weather conversation and have at least 2 special conversations (1 being with a young person in your family).
  • Attend church or an activity that will bring the meaning to you personally

5. Enjoy Yourself:

  • What were some childhood traditions that you could bring back? Do one!
  • Make sure to start NOW (November 21) with planning and bring fun with the process
  • Take silly and fun pictures not just posed ones.
  • Play play play. Play in the snow. Play a board game. Play with your family.

Dena Patton is a Life Coach, Speaker and CEO of Chat, Chew and Chocolate. She is writing her first book The Well-Balanced Superwomen. There are free downloads for you: a boundaries worksheet, a great to-do list organizer, a Gratefulness Journal and a Me Time Study all on Dena's bio page (bottom/right side of bio page). Info on her programs and coaching visit, www.TheBoundariesCoach.com. Find her on Twitter @chatchew.

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