Are you a big fan of the holidays? Do you like making lists, plotting out which gifts to give to your loved ones? Do you love organizing parties and making sure everyone has fun? The holidays; although fun, can be overwhelming to prepare for. Therefore, here are some holiday tips which could help you in managing your time and to help you organize your activities fast and efficiently.
1. What is your focus? Ask yourself what you want to focus on during this holiday season. Do you want to focus on your family? On your friends? Or do you want to focus on yourself? Identify your subject first, then think what would best suit them. For example, if you want to focus on your family, think about what your family likes and dislikes. Do they like going on trips? Would they just want to eat out? Whatever or whoever your focus is, always keep it or them in mind when making decisions and organizing events.
2. Write your thoughts down. After identifying your focus, it’s time to start thinking things through. What would they like? What would they enjoy? What would they be opposed to doing? Whatever the answers to these questions, and some other questions you ask yourself, write them down. It may seem like a mundane and exhausting task to do; however, actually writing down your thoughts will help you down the road. It will help you remember ideas you’ve thought of which you might forget later on. Although, you don’t necessarily have to write them down – you can actually just make a reminder of it in your phone; put a sticky note in your notebook or planner; or make a note of it in your computer – do whatever is easier and most convenient for you.
As mentioned earlier, the holidays are supposed to be fun; however, it can also be grueling to prepare for. There are various things you have to remember and to take note of, some of which may include: your budget; gifts you have to buy; parties you have to organize; decorating materials you have to purchase; holiday cards you have to send and etc. You may think you can remember them all, but at one point or another, it will all become so overwhelming that you might overlook a few things. Therefore, it really is best to make lists, and to write your thoughts down.
3. Mind your budget. The holiday season, as they say, is the time for giving. It isn’t just about giving your love, or giving away your hugs and kisses, but it also entails giving gifts and personal tokens to the people you care about. However, you have to remember yourself too, and you have to remember not to go overboard with the spending. Create a budget and don’t go beyond it. There are various ways to give gifts and to organize an extraordinary and fun holiday without spending too much. For example, instead of buying expensive readymade cards, why don’t you unleash your creativity and design and write your own cards? As much fun as it is to receive money or expensive gifts, personalized presents will always be the best. Get creative. The holidays isn’t about how extravagant your gifts or parties are – it’s about the love you put behind everything you do.
4. Double check, simplify and know your limits. After setting your focus, creating your lists and setting your budget, double check everything. Assess and if possible, simplify and finalize your thoughts and plans. Also, make sure that everything corresponds accordingly. For example, can your budget support your plans? With the budget you have set, can you afford the things you need to buy?
Another thing to keep in mind is that, the holiday season is a busy, busy time. Know your limits, and don’t hesitate to say no to suggestions which you think will be of no use to you. Limit your consent to activities and things which you feel will be the best for you. Let other things go and never forget to let go of anyone who drags you down.
5. Start moving and keep moving. According to famous author and well-known life coach Cheryl Richardson, inaction equates to anxiety. Therefore, finalize everything; iron out every detail and start moving! Don’t let your ideas just fester in your head, start acting them out too. Although you might get overwhelmed at one point, just remember to keep moving forward and take one step at a time. Also, never forget to enjoy things as they come and when everything comes to fruition, enjoy them with the ones you love.