December Is Stress-Free Family Holiday Month

IRONWOOD, MI - Sunday, December 21, 2008 - December is Stree-Free Family Holiday Month. Why is it that the holidays are both the most joyful and most STRESSFUL time of the year? We should be thinking about peace on earth, goodwill toward all people, and the start of a new year. Unfortunately, many of us are caught up in unreasonable expectations for our holiday gatherings. We think that if we just do everything right, this holiday will be "PERFECT". Well, wake up and smell the Yule log! There is no such thing as a perfect holiday -- not in real life -- and expecting one just sets you up for disappointment. So let's talk this month about what is REQUIRED for you to experience a pleasant, fulfilling, and stress-free holiday.

Some Practical Organizing Tips...

Look at your true PRIORITIES this holiday season. Decide what this time of year means to you, what you want and don't want to happen this year -- and make those choices about how you will spend your time, money, and energy accordingly.

Create a NOT to do list this season -- things that you've felt pressured to take care of in the past, but you really don't enjoy and aren't critical to you enjoying the holiday. Then think about ways to make the chores that are left easier and more enjoyable.

Keep track of what works and what doesn't this year. Then take steps to REPEAT your successes and correct any problems next year. Choose the kind of holiday you want -- through the decisions you make and the way you spend your resources.