Whew! We made it through Thanksgiving but now in less than a month it’s Christmas. This time in between is often filled with parties, children’s Christmas concerts and performances. Each of us has a different set of obligations to deal with during the holiday season . So this week I’d like to offer a few tips on how you might be able to make the holiday season a bit easier to manage.

· Set up a sitter circle – You may already do this with your neighbours and friends and if you do keep it up, but instead of sharing the sitter duties like you have previously exchange a few hours so you can have some time to do something for you. It could be going to dinner with your husband or partner, maybe it’s going for massage or maybe you’d just like some time to clean the house without having to worry what the kids are up to.
· Daycare services – If your local mall has the service, use it! Using the mall day care service while shopping is an expense worth its weight in gold. You’ll be calmer, your shopping will be done quicker and you can get on to do the rest of your to-do list.
· Wrapping Service – Another great service to take advantage of if your mall offers it. Imagine walking out of the mall and all of the presents are wrapped and ready to go. Usually they offer this service for a small donation per package and it’s usually much cheaper than purchasing all of the wrapping paper yourself
· Delegate – If you can afford it take advantage of the many services available. Don’t have time to do your laundry drop it off at a laundry service, can’t find time grocery shop? Search for a home delivery grocery service. Or during this busy time hire a personal concierge to handle the everyday tasks you don’t have time for. If you have kids that are old enough to do the task hire them, or hire a neighbours kids to take care of some of the normal day to day errands that seem to get left until the end.
· Don’t be Superwoman – It’s okay if it doesn’t all get done, no one will notice and if they do it’s their issue and not yours. If you’re fine with what you’ve done then be happy and enjoy the holidays. This time of year can be stressful for the best of us and trying to live up to someone else’s standards can just increase that stress. Determine what is good enough for you and be happy with your decision. If someone complains, simply smile and make the suggestion that they host the party next year because then they can do it the way they’d like to see it.
· Take some Me time – Yes, you deserve it and yes, you need it. Take the time. Even if it’s just 30 minutes for go for a walk, or have a quick manicure, or simply a quick nap. Do it. You’ll feel refreshed and be in a better state of mind to handle things.

The holiday season is about family and remembering everything that we’re grateful for, make a decision today that you will remain conscious of the stressors in your life and you will not let them effect you. One of the quickest ways to handle stress is to acknowledge it and then simply banish it. Tell the stress, either mentally or out loud that you will not let it affect you this year. Next week I’ll be talking about family and developing your own traditions with your kids.

TAKE ACTION OPPORTUNITY

Take a moment to think of something that you’re tolerating right now that is done during the holidays and make a decision on whether or not it is something you really want to do. If it is, then embrace it completely and make it a part of the holidays. If it isn’t, then make the decision to not do it this year and do something else that nourishes you.

Renee Shupe
The Busy Woman’s Coach