Long time no see!
Wow – time seems to just be slipping by! I try often to sit down and write something for my blog and behold, something always takes me away. So, anticipating that the next few weeks are going to go just as quickly as the last, I will take this opportunity to remind everyone that the holidays are just around the corner! Having said that – I’m sure you can assume I’ve started my holiday shopping. Your assumption would be correct, I’m almost done actually! So, here are some of my tips on getting through the next few weeks, sane and ahead of the game:
• Start your holiday shopping now; unless you like the stress of the malls on December 23rd; in that case wait 
• For holiday shopping; go prepared with a list of who you have to buy for, with a few ideas of what you would like to get them. If you can, refer to last years’ list so that you don’t duplicate gifts (this is for the real Organized Diva!)
• Make a list of all the baking or cooking you will need to do. Make a separate shopping list for the items you’ll need. Prepare as much as possible and freeze what you can.
• Make a few dinners ahead. I’m a huge advocate of cooking ahead, having a few dinners in the freezer (soups, casseroles, marinated chicken), will help on a night the kids run late, or you’d like to squeeze in some weeknight shopping.
• Get writing! Start writing your holiday cards. You don’t need to mail them until early December, but no one says you have to wait to write them.
• Schedule a date to decorate. Try to decorate in one evening, or on a weekend. Dragging it out only leaves your house a mess, and that causes more stress.
• Relax…schedule some time to yourself. Selfish, yes; worth it – totally!
I’m hoping to be back writing before the holidays; if not….I’d like to wish everyone a happy, healthy, successful holiday season. May you be blessed with its splendor!
