1. Set up very clear gift giving guidelines, especially by establishing an amount for your gift exchanges. Money talk can feel uncomfortable, but your gift giving experience will be much more pleasant if you know you will both be aiming for $25 gifts. Shopping can be stressful enough without having to worry about your gift being too big or too small.
2. Downscale your holiday party. You want to be able to enjoy your guests, not be tied to the kitchen the whole night, so serve dishes that can be assembled ahead of time and just need to be heated in the oven, have a potluck, or make it an appetizer party or a dessert and cocktail party. Save money by using coupons and buying what’s on ad.
3. Stay healthy during the holidays. In 2000, the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development did a study that determined we only gain about a pound during the holiday season. That doesn’t sound so bad, but here’s the catch, that weight tends to stick around and accumulate through the years, So in order to stay healthy and happy during the holidays, don’t use the celebrating as an excuse to slack on your exercise routine. Try to exercise the day of Christmas parties, get those endorphins moving and you may be more likely to decline that second slice of pie. Try things in moderation, eat one holiday cookie to appease the baker, but stop there and fill at least half your plate with vegetables before hitting the other dishes. Staying active is really important this time of year so that you can enjoy the holidays and cut stress.
4. Slow down. Between decorations, shopping, baking, cooking, wrapping, traveling, entertaining – it can be easy to go through the motions of the holidays without stopping to enjoy it. Think of activities that will force you to stop, breathe and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays. Take a walk around the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights, cozy up next to the tree with a cup of hot chocolate, host a gift-wrapping party with your friends, and play holiday music while you bake.
5. One of the best ways to be happy is to make others happy. Include a personal note with your holiday gifts rather than the standard “To” and “From” tag. It is a good reminder of what the spirit of giving is truly about, reminding the gifter and the giftee why they made it on your “nice” list this holiday season.
6. Prepare for shopping! Make sure you bring water, comfortable shoes, snacks and dress in layers. Have a separate envelope with you for all of your receipts. This will make your experience more relaxing and enjoyable.
7. Use sites like coupons.com to find restaurants and outings in your area offering great deals on having fun!
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