| If you are lacking in holiday magic-or do a little too | | | | Instead of trying to do it all, choose a few things |
| much shopping, and a little too little enjoying, read | | | | that are important to you, and focus on those |
| on for some clever ways to simplify your life this | | | | items. |
| holiday season, and enjoy Christmas this year! | | | | 6. Take the kids shopping: Sounds crazy, right? |
| 1. Start early: Plan ahead, and if you do have a lot | | | | You shop ahead to be done, but still end up taking |
| of shopping to do, get started early. If you begin | | | | the kids to the mall. If you take your children |
| shopping in the summer, you can hit a ton of | | | | shopping, and allow them to pick out gifts for a |
| great sales, and getting everything done early | | | | few select people, you let them experience the |
| means you can be home relaxing by the fire while | | | | joy of giving-and it is very interesting to note the |
| everyone else is waiting in line at the mall. | | | | items that they choose to give. Let siblings |
| 2. Cut back: Do you really need to buy a gift for | | | | purchase gifts for one another, or for a few |
| your sister's husband's mom? Really? Cutting back | | | | special people in their lives. |
| on your shopping list not only saves you money, | | | | 7. Remember someone in need this year: Be an |
| it saves you time. (Don't forget, once you | | | | angel to a child or family that will otherwise miss |
| purchase all those gifts and drag them home, you | | | | out on the holiday season. You can find someone |
| still need to wrap and ship them!) | | | | to buy for through local charities and churches. |
| 3. Finish early: Plan on finishing all of your shopping | | | | Helping someone in need really fuels your holiday |
| and related chores by mid-December. Getting the | | | | spirit-and makes you aware of your own blessings |
| shopping done by the 15th or so frees you from | | | | as well. |
| the craziness at the mall, post office, and gives | | | | 8. Take advantage of technology: Shop online |
| you the time to relax and enjoy the season | | | | when you can-and use the internet to scope out |
| 4. Do something traditional with the family: Go | | | | prices and read reviews of gifts you are |
| caroling, go on a sleigh ride, or just drive around | | | | considering. You can even ship packages from |
| and look at Christmas lights. Whatever says | | | | home, using your computer to print and pay for |
| "Christmas" to you and yours, set aside the time | | | | labels. Let your fingers get a workout, and |
| to enjoy doing something traditional together. | | | | simplify your life by doing some of your |
| 5. Let some things go: This year, do you have to | | | | Christmas planning online this year. |
| bake dozens of cookies, make handmade | | | | By starting early, making realistic plans, and |
| ornaments, make a fancy Christmas Eve dinner | | | | working with the important people in your life, you |
| (and Christmas breakfast), send custom photo | | | | can simplify your Christmas this year, and learn to |
| cards to everyone you know, and create | | | | love the holiday season once again. |
| handmade, personalized place cards for everyone? | | | | |