Give Yourself a Gift!

Instead of becoming stressed out about all of the things you need to do during the holidays, give yourself the gift of peace by simplifying a few holiday traditions.

• Prevent stress over sending traditional year-end holiday cards when you're already super busy. Instead, look for opportunities at other times of the year to reach out with cards.
• Get a jump on next year — save money and time by waiting until after the holidays to buy cards that are on sale.

• Make a list of everyone you want to buy for, and then whittle it down to just close friends and family.
• Create a reasonable budget, and stick to it.
• Buy or make small, thoughtful gifts — jellies, jams, or even a candle — for those last-minute gift-giving opportunities.

• If cooking the turkey and potatoes is your thing, cook them, and ask others to bring their favorite holiday dish.
• Simplify dessert — buy a special pie or holiday cake.
• Personalize store-bought goodies by adding decorations ...powdered sugar on brownies, frosting and colored sprinkles on cookies, and so on. If you have children, let them get in on the act.

• In the middle of the holiday bustle, take time to read, listen to music, or take a delicious midday nap.