HOLIDAY CHILL

Uh, oh.  Now that Halloween and Thanksgiving are behind us, two things are for certain:  (1) annoyingly- early holiday decorations will be appearing in retail stores within days and (2) it’s time for the holiday calendar insanity to officially begin.  What’s a multi-tasker to do? Well, here are a few tips from Creative Order founder Suellen Germani. She’s here to help us face the Christmas music with a relaxing sigh instead of a Grinch-like grimace:

• Make a Schedule. Go ahead and make a list of all of the holiday obligations you have upcoming.  These include such things as parties that you will be hosting, gatherings you know you will be attending, presents that need to be purchased, and decorations that need to be hauled out of storage.   Plot out a schedule so that you can focus on enjoying time with friends and family instead of scurrying around playing catch-up.

• Say No. Why is it that one of the hardest things a multi-tasking gal can do is say no?   Perhaps it is because we believe we can and should do it all.  Remember that you do not have to say yes to every invitation that lands in your mailbox.  Nor do you have to host a party simply because you have done so in the past.  My husband and I hosted a fall party every year for several years in a row.  One particularly busy fall season, I realized that I was dreading all of the prep work that would be required more than I was looking forward to hosting the event.  So I scandalously decided not to have the party.  What a relief it was to cross that obligation off my list for a year!

• Pace Yourself. During the season of excess, try and choose healthier food options, watch your alcohol consumption, and get at least six hours of rest per day.  Staying up late and consuming fuel that isn’t good for your body is the quickest way I know to pick up the dreaded holiday cold.  Don’t make your body put the hurt on you in order to force you to slow down.

• Leave Some Wiggle Room. Allow enough time to find the right gift for the people on your Christmas list.  Schedule enough time to complete all the steps needed to host a fabulously fun party.  Leave enough room on your calendar for you to arrive safely and on time to your holiday gatherings.

• Schedule “Me” Time. One of the best presents you can give yourself is to carve out some personal relaxation time.  Schedule a massage, connect with nature with a daily walk,  take naps, lounge in a hot bath, or sneak off to bed a little early with a good book.

You CAN keep your calendar sane with a little planning and diligence!

Meet Suellen!