"Thanks But No Thanks" – Keeping The Calm Amidst a Busy Holiday Season

Here we are, another holiday season is upon us. Visions of peaceful family get togethers filled with laughter, memories and delicious food do come to mind. What else comes to mind is busy, hectic, even harried shopping, cooking, entertaining, and dozens of emails, texts, and social media posts of all the latest and greatest sales and holiday events you can’t possibly miss. My advise…start feeling comfortable with saying, “Thanks but no thanks”. Here are some tips on how to do so.

Your Holiday Goals and Traditions

Take time first and foremost to ask yourself and your family some questions. Once you know the answers, it becomes easier to prioritize those dates, activities, tasks and obligations that fit your vision and which ones you can say “thanks but no thanks” to.

How do you envision your holiday season?
What do you want to get out of these holidays?
What is most important and base a theme around that. Ex: “Home for the Holidays” if you don’t want to travel or “Simple Yet Elegant” if money is tight.
What do you like best? Least? List your priorities.
What aspects can you do without and make a plan on how to eliminate
Family traditions: Which ones are worth keeping? Which ones do you choose to eliminate? Which new ones do you want to try?

Calendaring Techniques

Start with a fresh, clean slate! Utilize blank calenda rs to start fresh. You can easily print them off from various calendar websites and apps.

Print out both monthly and weekly calendars.
Start with dates you know i.e., guest arrival and departure dates, school dates, travel plans, etc.
Add dates as invites come in
Color code by family member; one color for each and one for family events

Regarding parties and events:

You don’t have to attend all of them! Take 24 hours to decide if fits your theme and priorities.
It is completely ok to say “Thanks but no thanks”
If you are invited and you’re not sure, make a note of when need to RSVP by.

Scheduling personal and family time:

Take time to enjoy the lights, decorations, music
Schedule time to work out, take a long bath, etc.

Remember – Allow extra time for tasks due to crowded stores and traffic!!!

Holiday Card Time Savers

Computerize and update your holiday list throughout the year.
Allot 15-20 minute each day to work on.
Have kids stamp and seal.

Shopping and Gift Time Savers

Lists, lists, lists! Include sizes, hobbies, favorite colors, what you bought last year.
Start early and pick up gifts every week.
Wrap as you go.
Make a note of which gifts need to be shipped and do these first.
Shop online.
Purchase items like gift cards in places you are already going, such as the grocery store.
Take a day off, if possible, and shop during the week or early in the morning.
Buy extra gift cards or generic gifts for people you forgot or for unexpected guests.
Designate a central place to store the gifts so they are not scattered around the house.
Consider grab bags, donations, token gifts, gifts of time and gift certificates.
Teach kids that for each new item that comes in, one goes.
Call stores ahead and make sure they have what you are looking for.
Shop alone. Most people spend more time and money when shopping with a friend, spouse, or kids.
If you find a great gift, buy it for multiple people on your list.

“Wrap Up”

Create a holiday file that includes the following:

All notes, lists, ideas, pictures, etc.
Receipt envelopes
Add new ideas collected throughout the year
A budget of all holiday expenses and how much was spent, noting any unexpected expenses

Conduct an honest evaluation at the conclusion:

Did I allow enough time?
What can I let go of?
How can I further simplify?
Did I enjoy these holidays more than in the past?

There you have it. All sorts of tips and ideas to help make this holiday season fun, memorable and full of what matters most to you and your family. Don’t forget “thanks but no thanks” really is an acceptable option!

In the meantime, I want to thank each and every one of you who follow and support Put It There! From our team to you, happy Thanksgiving!!!