Start a gift list in a small memo notebook or your smartphone. Beside each name write down possible ideas, the recipients’ interests, their sizes, possible websites, etc. Take this when you go shopping and when you sit down to order online. Check for discount coupons online and in the newspaper for the various items. Save all receipts labeled with recipient’s name in an envelope; this make things easy if an exchange is necessary.
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Speaking of shopping online, sometimes in order to order online or to get discounts, one must provide an email address. This would be a good time to create a different email address so you don’t get bombarded with promotional emails in your regular account. For example, I created an email address, “maureensignup@yahoo.com” which I can check at my discretion.
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Wrapping gifts can seem overwhelming during the holiday season. Stock up throughout the year on holiday gift bags, gift-wrap and tissue paper (The Christmas Tree Shop is great for inexpensive gift bags and wrap). While watching TV or catching up on long phone calls (using your headset/earphone), wrap a few gifts and don’t forget to attach gift tags. Get family members involved in these and other tasks.
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Mail out gifts in the first week of December to out-of-state friends and family. Try to pick an off time for the post office.
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Sit down with your day planner and “sketch” out the next several weeks. Try to include rest and relaxation, old or new holiday traditions, family get-togethers, parties and shopping. Now you can get a realistic sense of how to organize your time. What, you don’t have a day planner? This would be a good time to purchase one so you will be ready for 2009. A daily planner is more resourceful then a calendar, although I use a calendar as well. (There are many good options for day planners. I use www.thedailyplanner.com for my day planner refills.) Now that you have a picture of your holiday schedule, you can decline any other activities that will just overwhelm you.
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Try to plan for some alone, quiet time to experience the wonder of the season. Maybe a meditative walk in an evergreen tree grove just before sunset. If time is tight, you could consider this multi-tasking by picking up pinecones to decorate your home for the holidays.
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Buy some “gifts on the go” for last minute gift needs, such as a hostess gift or a forgotten recipient. Some gift ideas would be: your favorite bottle of wine (include a note saying that it is your favorite); some luxurious soap and/or hand cream (not a time to buy “cheapie” brands); some beautiful extra virgin olive oil and/or balsamic vinegar; or anything else that strikes you. Why not wrap it in advance and label what it is.
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You might want to consider gathering friends and family to donate time, money or toys to a favorite charity and create a new holiday tradition in lieu of exchanging gifts.
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Another option to minimize the consumerism part of the holidays is to get together with friends and family and go on a “holiday play-date” in lieu of exchanging gifts. Some examples of these could include an ice-skating party, cross-country skiing (at night!), a nature walk or a drive through the most holiday decorated neighborhoods. Don’t forget to bring hot cider, hot cocoa and treats. How about that old favorite: singing carols in a group? I know, corny but these will create lasting memories versus giving/receiving a new thing from the mall. Decide what you want your holidays to mean and stay true to your feelings.
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Realize that all the things that you want to do might not get done or might be a little stress inducing. Try to remind and reassure yourself that this crazy holiday season is really about connecting with others and remembering good times and creating new memories. So if your holiday cards get sent out in January (like mine often do), consider that as long as the recipient got your good cheer, news and well wishes—that is probably all that really matters. The goal is to experience joy during this holiday season in spite of the stress.
Good luck and enjoy this holiday season.
