This is a special time of year but for some reason we get wrapped up in the busyness of the season and lose sight of why we celebrate and how to make it most enjoyable (instead of stressful). Listed below you will find some tips you may be able to apply to ensure your festive time is amazing!
Make appointments with yourself…
…to get ready for events and function and travel time also.
Make a list of events that will occur before and during Christmas…
…and what you need for each event i.e. food to take/prepare, an outfit to wear (guys, you probably won’t worry about this), alcohol and gifts.
Chose a charity you would like to contribute to…
… and make a donation or buy a gift and leave it with the shopping centre or bank that regularly collect these each year. Spend a few minutes considering those less fortunate than yourself and help out where you can.
Get professional help
Caterers, florists, gardeners, cleaners – there is a service for everything you may need at this busy time – don’t hesitate to seek help.
Make a list of people you need to buy for
Keep this list with you while you shop and tick off each name as you purchase their gift. Keep this list for next year and you are already prepared for 2003.
Buy extra small gifts for unexpected guests
… that drop over or people who give you gifts you hadn’t planned for i.e. chocolates, flavored sauces.
Make an appointment with yourself to wrap the gifts and post them if required.
Avoid sitting up late on Christmas Eve cursing the amount of work you have to do.
If you are posting gifts, don’t attempt to post them between 11.30 am – 2.30 pm
This is a crazy time for the Post Office – avoid it if you can. It may be more convenient for you to courier your parcels.
Organise client gifts from one central location and ask them to handle delivery for you.
Some easy and effective ideas for client gifts include magazine subscriptions (the gift that arrives each month), food hampers they can share with their family and flowers & wine parcels. Your supplier can deliver all these gifts. One of my favourite is Roses Only for this service www.rosesonly.com.au
Schedule time for you
Do something that makes you smile and avoid the stress & hassle this time may cause you.
Remember… this is a time for fun and celebrations – go out there and enjoy yourself because you will be better organised this Christmas.
