Welcome to Happy Holidays

Prepare the Easy Way – The Holiday Season is Upon Us

Loved ones come to visit, or we go to visit them.  We catch up with friends and family, entertain guests, go to parties, and then comes added stress, the threat of colds and flu surrounding us in our environment.

How do we protect those we love?

Now is the time to start getting organized earlier than usual this year. Small amounts of time devoted to getting one area cleared of clutter will make you feel better, and seeing the cumulative results will keep you moving forward. We may not have a half-hour or an hour, but we do have 15 minutes here and there to accomplish some organizing.

Add these up during a week and you’ll find you have done an hour or two of work without stressing over finding the time. This is how I can get many things done each week.  Let the kids and hubby help during the commercial breaks.  Two to four people picking up here and there can make quick work of it, after all, YOU don’t have to do everything!

Have a Plan

What is bothering you most about getting ready for the Holidays? Is it the same thing each year? Make this the year to cross that off your list first.

Begin there, and each subsequent accomplishment will allow you to enjoy family and friends when they arrive.

4 Ways to Overcome Holiday Stress

• 15 minutes a day organizing your kitchen and guest areas will pay great benefits.  Clear out clutter from kitchen and living areas as soon as possible.  Creating space and openness helps to minimize stress.
• Use the scents of cinnamon and vanilla to lower body stress while you work.
• Collect ideas for a new theme this year.  Arrange the table or house differently.  Imagine you are visiting a place to spend the holiday.  Create that place in your own home.
• If appropriate, add a glass of wine or a cup of tea to your mix after the 15 minutes of work.  Enjoy your life’s moment — there is no need to rush through it.

I like my guests and family to feel special so I make each guest a basket filled with travel soap and shampoos, special treats, the latest bestsellers local bookstore or a used book store, a candle of a favorite scent, or a CD player with a selection of holiday tunes.

You can include funny card to welcome them. A little preparation will allow you to enjoy this time of year, rather than rushing around and finding the season passed and you missed it.

Take time, relax and enjoy those special people you are cleaning and preparing for.

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