Saturday, March 27, 2010

How to Get Into the Spirit of Christmas

Are you going to be having a lonely Christmas? 
  1. Put up the tree at some point during early December. This is the perfect time.
  2. Make some ornaments. Hang candy canes, or make pictures of loved ones into ornaments to hang.
  3. Decorate the rest of your home. Hang wreaths, set up toy trains, buy snow-globes, and anything else you can find.
  4. Hang tinsel everywhere!
  5. Get stockings for everyone who is living in your home.
  6. Get Christmas gift shopping done early.
  7. Ring all your relatives and wish them a Merry Christmas--maybe their cheer will reflect onto you.
  8. Invite friends over to your house or out for a meal.
  9. Have Christmas dinner. Do this even if it is by yourself. Plan it carefully so it happens as you want it to.
  10. Give everyone presents and hopefully they will give you one back. Put them under the Christmas tree and open them on Christmas day.
  11. Check out nearby Christmas displays which can be found on websites like the Tacky Light Tour or Planet Christmas
  12. Play lots of Christmas Carols, or, better yet, sing them yourself!

Tips

  • Getting your shopping done early will eliminate a lot of stress during the holidays.
  • Whenever you aren't feeling "Christmas-y," make a big cup of hot chocolate and turn off all the lights except the lights on the tree. It will get you back in the mood.
  • Build a fire and cuddle up in a soft blanket on a snowy night.
  • Read a book about Christmas, such as "The Christmas Shoes."
  • If you are going to be alone for Christmas, consider collaborating with others who may be alone.
  • Find out about a local homeless shelter or other charity and volunteer. This provides you with companionship during the holidays and is a wonderful way to spread joy in the Christmas season.

Warnings

  • Your phone bill might increase.
  • It may cost a lot for Christmas dinner, the tree and the presents.
  • Don't make too much of a mess of the decorations, because at some point, you will have to clean it up.
 Source: www.wikihow.com

How to Have a Stress Free Holiday Season

The holidays are officially here and the season for giving begins. It’s a wonderful time of year, but with all the activities, excitement and family obligations taking place at once, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed and even a tad bit gloomy. Here are 9 simple steps to relax, let go and really enjoy a truly happy holiday!
  1. Focus on your connections. This holiday, reflect on the meaning and closeness of your relationships. It’s not the amount of money you spend, but how much love and joy you share that will create the quality of the season. The beautifully wrapped presents and bows are far less important than the people in your life.
  2. Entertaining? Make a time line and list. Being organized and prepared will save you from alot of stress hormones. Prioritize and delegate tasks when you can. Enlist the help of professionals if need be (cleaning? catering?).
  3. Keep it simple. The food doesn't have to be fancy and you don't have to spend a small fortune on decorations. A fire in the fireplace can set the mood and fresh flowers or greens are beautiful anywhere in the house. The people make the party.
  4. Involve the whole family in your holiday planning and preparation. Children love to be a part of the process. Let them help with frosting cookies, making placecards, decorating your home or holiday table. Let go of perfection and have fun!
  5. Get plenty of sleep and eat healthy foods. Sleep may seem like an indulgence this time of year, but it is essential to good health and a positive holiday outlook. Rest, slow-down and take time to reflect. There will be plenty of treats and sweets - eat healthy meals to counteract the unhealthly choices.
  6. Let go and go with the flow. If you're overwhelmed, imagine what would happen if you didn't do "it". What is the worst case scenerio? Not sending your holiday cards on time probably won’t matter in the long run.
  7. Give out of joy vs. obligation. Don't stress your budget. Be creative and come from your heart. It makes the gift much more meaningful.
  8. Perform a small act of kindness without expecting anything in return. A smile will spread some holiday cheer.

Tips

  • Be kind to yourself: Buy fresh flowers. Soak your feet. Valet park the car. Have your groceries delivered. Take a long walk. Sleep in. Watch the sunset. Enjoy a bubble bath (or a good cigar). Listen to beautiful music. Love yourself and others, then, enjoy the most fabulous holiday season of all times!

Warnings

  • If you don't you just might end up nicknamed, "Scrooge!" If this happens go immediately to www.shesite.com for quick happiness tips that will make you feel a whole lot better!
Source: www.wikihow.com

How to Have a Happy Holiday Season

This Article will make you be relaxed and happy all holiday season.For some people the holiday season can be just way too stressful. So grab some hot chocolate and read on...
  1. Start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas around the end of September. Start bringing up the subject with your family and friends.Although your friends may laugh at you for bringing it up so early(But if you plan ahead now,you'll know what to get people - say your friend says "I really want to check out that Discworld series but I cant find it anywhere" try getting it online for your friend!
  2. By November start maybe getting some Christmassy clothes and look forward to November 1st ( Which is when some unpopular radio stations will play Christmas music on the weekends.)
  3. Start Your Christmas shopping early(but not too early)so when you get your holidays from work or school you can spend time with your family and friends!
  4. When all the shopping is done, relax and listen to Christmas music and put the presents underneath your Christmas tree. Watch Christmas movies and maybe meet up with your extended family?

Tips

  • Think positively toward everything when it's time for the holidays.
  • Don't focus too much on presents!
  • Sleep in when you have your days off!
  • Try helping out one of your stressed friends on their Christmas stuff too!
  • If it is snowing, then go outside and have a fun time!
  • Drink eggnog.

Warnings

  • Do not obsess about Christmas any earlier than late November. If you do this then people will think you are weird.
  • You may note that there are contradictory advisories on when best to start your holiday obsession. As Americans, you're welcome to commence shopping and stressing whenever it best suits you. Be merry!
Source: www.wikihow.com