7 Tips to Tame the Holiday Circus

7 Tips to Tame theHoliday Circus

by Christa Melnyk Hineswww.christamelnykhines.com

#1 Rework the

Event Program

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Cross off items on your to-do list that cause more headachesthan joy.

Leave at least one evening each weekend to allow for spontaneous family fun.

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#2Juggle

Less

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Give yourself permission to decline aninvitation even if you have nothing elsegoing on.

Hosting a party? Spend more time with your guests by having the event catered.

Hire a company to clean your house orenlist your family to help.

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#3Clown

Around

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Block out 15 to 30 minutesevery day for personalenjoyment (a.k.a. self-preservation) like yoga,manicures, reading, lunch with a friend or time alone!

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#4Plan for

Surprises

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Purchase small gifts to have on hand for unexpected guests.

Store extra cookies, soups and appetizers in the freezer to pop out

for casual, last-minute get-togethers.www.christamelnykhines.com

#5Simplify

Decor

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Make luminaries out of paper sacks,sand and electric tea lights to lineyour walkway.

Spray paint a simple pine conewreath white. Hang it with a festiveribbon on your front door.

Make a centerpiece out of clear vasesor jars filled with jingle bells, seasonalfruit, nuts or colorful candy.

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#6Ease

ShoppingStress

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Save a trip to the post office. Shop online.

Schedule a date night with your spouse for holiday shopping. Rewardyourselves with dinner at your favorite restaurant.

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Hand off some of the gift-purchasingresponsibilities to your spouse.

#7Revel in

the Magicof the

Seasonwww.christamelnykhines.com

Stroll through the neighborhood toadmire holiday lights.

Purchase a toy for a child in need.

Watch old holiday movies in your pajamaswith your kids.

Deliver holiday cheer to a neighbor who may be feeling lonely or sad.

Share a favorite tradition from your childhoodwith your kids.

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What do you do to tameholiday stress?

Christa Melnyk Hines

Freelance journalist, author &family communication expert

Connect with me at www.christamelnykhines.com