Holiday Tips for the Week Before Winter Break

This next week is the week before Winter Break for us.  If you have kids, chances are this is a very, very busy week.  Some activities like sports practices may have eased their way off the schedule by now, but others may have crept in like special performances.  There are also most likely parties galore at school, workplaces and with family and friends.  This is a wonderfully festive time of the year.  However, with all of the to-do's, it can be a very stressful time of year as well, especially for moms.  Here are some tips for this week that are helping keep me calm the chaos. 

1)  Gift @ the beginning of the week:  I like to bring gifts for teachers, staff, coworkers, etc. at the beginning of the week, not on Friday.  Friday typically has a lot going on; class parties, potlucks, other stuff to remember.  Bless those around you when you have more of a chance to take a moment to breathe and give a genuine thank you and holiday greetings. 

2)  Have some extra gifts on hand:  These are the "just in case gifts."  I like to make homemade things, baked items, hand scrubs, candles etc.  As much as I think I've captured everyone on my Christmas spreadsheet, I'm amazed how every year I am so glad I had an extra gift or 2 on hand.  I like to get these gifts prepped ahead of time as much as possible. 

3)  Plan some self care:  Being the one of the busiest and sugar-laden times of year, it's no wonder we are more prone to getting sick.  In addition to taking your vitamins and supplements, work some more veggies into your diet.  Drink plenty of water.  Limit your sugar intake.  You may want to also plan some pampering.  Anything that will relieve stress and rejuvenate your spirit you should plan to have in your schedule. 

4)  Simplify, Simplify, Simplify!:  Do things that will make your week easy.  Use paper plates, have a night or 2 of eating out if it's in the budget, prep food ahead of time, say no to extra commitments.  Simplify anything you can think of so you can truly enjoy this time of year. 

Best wishes for a wonderful week!