| Organizational experts are forever chastising us | | | | sanity in December." |
| mere mortals for failing to do our holiday shopping | | | | Here are three small investments you can make |
| in July, when the bargains are plenty and time is | | | | in October that are sure to pay off once |
| on our side. But given the hurly burly existence | | | | December rolls around. |
| most of us live, it's simply not a reasonable | | | | #1: Goals |
| expectation. It's also arguably a lot less fun; | | | | Before the holiday season is in full swing, take a |
| holiday shopping in the depths of summer | | | | moment to set a few reasonable, weekly goals |
| somehow seems to miss the point of the holiday. | | | | that will get you through the holidays with sanity |
| Happily, shopping in July isn't the only way to get | | | | intact. This isn't about chasing unrealistic |
| a head start on the looming holiday activities. | | | | expectations of getting all the holiday shopping |
| There are some simple things you can do now to | | | | done by Halloween or family cards finished before |
| make the next few months a lot less stressful. | | | | Thanksgiving. Just set a few goals that you'll be |
| We encourage you to get started with these | | | | able to reach without stress such as purchasing a |
| suggestions. | | | | small amount of gifts each week or purposely |
| Alicia on: "Party Planning" | | | | scheduling free time in your calendar for |
| "If you've decided to host a party this season, | | | | unexpected activities. |
| use the internet to help you plan and organize | | | | #2: Playing With Food |
| your event. Sometimes, the process of planning a | | | | Isn't it nice to partner new recipes next to old |
| party is more work than the party itself. But | | | | family favorites at the holiday dinner table? But, |
| there are party planning tools online that can really | | | | unless you are a master chef, it always helps to |
| help minimize the stress that goes along with | | | | test out recipes prior to the day they are being |
| playing hostess. is a great resource that I've used | | | | served to your guests. Turn experimenting with |
| to organize parties. They have amazing tools like | | | | recipes into a night of family fun by selecting a |
| a drink calculator, a budget calculator, and a menu | | | | few and having your family taste-test them. This |
| planner that can help you ensure you throw a | | | | will let you perfect those questionable recipes you |
| perfect party." | | | | found in a magazine and will also give you the |
| Sarah on: "Five minutes today..." | | | | heads up as to which ones are sure to be hits |
| "It's not impossible to find gifts for your loved | | | | once the holidays roll around. |
| ones that are inspired and on budget. The key to | | | | #3: Family Involvement |
| coming up with great gift ideas is to take a | | | | This season, give yourself one less thing to worry |
| minute to walk in the shoes of the person | | | | about and get your whole family involved with |
| receiving the gift to so that you understand their | | | | decorating for the holidays. Nothing is cozier than |
| wants and needs. Once you are clear on that, set | | | | a home adorned with hand made decorations. So |
| a budget and then take a little time to brainstorm | | | | plan a night before the holidays are in full swing |
| before you spend a penny on gifts. Schedule a | | | | for everyone in your family to get creative and |
| window shopping appointment for yourself now, | | | | make decorations for the house. Once the |
| when you're not crazed, to get your creative | | | | holidays do roll around, not only will your halls be |
| juices flowing. Or sit down with your family after | | | | decked with homemade holiday cheer, but these |
| dinner one night for a bit of idea generation. | | | | heartfelt items make great gifts that |
| Budgeting a few minutes today to come up with | | | | grandparents are sure to cherish. |
| gift ideas can save you a mountain of money and | | | | |