HOW TO KEEP YOUR SANITY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The Christmas count down begins!

Christmas has always been everybody’s favorite time of the year.  The only downside of this is that Christmas can also be the most toxic time of the year for most of us. Before you know it, your calendar is already swamped with Christmas parties, family get together and all sorts of activities.

So before you find yourself drowning from the overwhelming Christmas intoxication, here’s a few tips to keep your sanity during this season:

1. Create a Christmas Calendar of Activities. You need to start with your prep schedule as early as Sept and no later than October. Rather than cramming it all up in just one day, break it up into several days. It will be less tiring for you and you will enjoy the activity in the process.  Posted below is a sample calendar that you can follow.

TARGET DATE	TIME	ACTIVITY	STATUS
30-Oct	7:00 PM	KID'S TRICK OR TREAT
31-Oct	8:00 PM	GO TO CEMETERY
1-Nov		SET UP TREE
13-Nov		BUY GIFTS FOR KIDS
20-Nov		BUY GIFTS FOR RELATIVES
26-Nov		BUY GIFTS FOR FRIENDS AND OFFICEMATES
27-Nov		WRAP GIFTS
28-Nov		SET UP CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
4-Dec		SHOP FOR KIDS' CLOTHES
18-Dec		SHOP FOR CHRISTMAS MEAL

2. Create a Christmas list. You might want to include the budget that you have for each individual on your list and stick to that budget when you shop. I have repeatedly gone overboard with my budget by adding little knick knacks to my gifts. You will really save a lot by sticking to your list.

Take note of the interests of the people on your list. And categorize them.  By doing so, you can plan your trip to the mall accordingly.

Also, if you are keeping a list, you will be able to buy items in bulk, and as the case in most “tiangge”, you can get bigger discounts for that. The amount saved for these could go to your gift packaging.

FAMILY MEMBERS	AGE	BUDGET	INTERESTS
FRIENDS
KIDS
OFFICEMATES

3.Do take time to wrap your gifts nicely. Instead of wrapping the gifts one by one, I normally get a gift bag. This way, I just need to put in the item, seal and tag.         

       

I like Ayala Mall’s free gift bags promo every December. I try to dine and get my groceries and other stuff as much as possible from Ayala Malls during this time. This way, I get to collect as many free bags for my gifts.

With this simple preparation, you will be able to save yourself from all the stress, and enjoy the season with your loved ones.