A few years ago we celebrated the holidays in four
different homes. We drove over thirty hours in just a few
days (11 in one day alone). At the time our girls were 1
and 5 years old -- sitting in the back seat and less than
happy about being stuck in a car. We escaped the major
flooding in Northern California by a few hours, but couldn't
escape two extremely bored little girls - even with the car
filled with gifts!

Not to mention that before the holiday arrived, they were
dragged from store to store while I shopped. We waited in
long lines, only to be greeted by snappy sales people ("Why
is that lady so meeeeaaann, Mommy?") with long lines,
cranky cashiers, irritable infants, packed parking lots,
demon drivers, psycho shoppers -- AHH!! When it was all
over, I needed a vacation!

"Next year", I thought, "it will be different!" And so
started my quest for peace during a time that's meant to be
peaceful -- thanks in a time that's meant to be thankful. I
searched for the answer to: "How can I stay stress free (or
close!) during the holidays?" I got some great answers from
trusted friends and business associates, as well as came up
with some of my own!

First and foremost, I decided to put my money where my
business is. I try to buy exclusively from other home-based
business owners. Either via the Web, or via mail order.
(Which helps us stay off the crowed highways and byways, as
well as helps keep the air clean!) Ever since I started my
business, it was extremely important, to me, that I support
other home-based business owners. And buying as much as
possible from them is my own gift -- to them, by supporting
their businesses and our sense community, and to myself by
avoiding the malls.

Secondly, I would stay in ONE town during the holiday. Next
year I can go visit my family in California, but this year
we will stay put. Although we have invited our out-of-town
family to join us!) This will be easier on myself, the
kids, my husband and our pocketbooks! Which brings me to...

My third gift to myself to become less stressed... Getting
back to the true meaning of the season. We are not
celebrating how many gifts we can buy, so why does it seem
so important to buy, Buy, BUY?? My kids have clothes, and
rooms full of toys, food, what more do they need? (And no,
they don't NEED another doll, no matter how much they
claim too!). What they NEED is to know that some other kids
aren't so lucky. This year they will be bringing some gifts
and clothes to kids who wouldn't have them otherwise -
hopefully showing my girls that they really do have it
good!

Other ideas I came across...

To Save Money:

Set price limits! Make an agreement with your spouse about
what you'll spend. My husband and I usually buy one big
gift we can appreciate together (like a camcorder, a new
TV, and a king-sized bed). Kids wish lists seem to get
longer and longer each year, but I always try to remember
all the times when, after all the presents were unwrapped,
the little ones played for hours - with the wrapping paper
and boxes!! Simple is better, especially for little ones.
With the older kids, try buying just ONE big ticket item -
and that's IT. I know many teens would love just one pair
of new "cool" shoes over multiple packs of underwear and
stationary.

Pull names. If you have a large family, why not suggest
pulling names? Each person puts their name on a piece of
paper, along with three to five items (within a predetermined
price range - ours is $25) that they would like to receive.
This makes shopping easier (no more guess work, but there
is still an element of surprise!), and saves you a
tremendous amount of money - no more buying gifts for every
uncle, grandmother, niece, etc.! We do our name pulling on
Thanksgiving, while everyone is together.

For Fun:

Have a Cookie Party! Invite as few or as many friends over
(let's say 6), and make sure each one has RSVPed. Everyone
makes one dozen cookies for every person who will show (ie.;
6 dozen cookies). By making sure in advance that everyone is
making a different type of cookie, you'll each go home with 6
(or how ever many people you invite) dozen different kinds of
cookies!

Having a diner party? Go buffet! While a sit down dinner is
elegant, going buffet style can be more relaxed (isn't that
what we're going for here?) but nice as well. Use candles,
your best dishes, fresh flowers, then smile and relax! Have
a wonderful time, and your guests will, too!

Time Wise:

Remember - Many stores have long holiday hours. If you're
an early riser, shop early. If you're a night owl, take
advantage of those long hours. You'll miss a lot of the
overwhelming crowds that way.

Be sure to: take time for yourself, your kids, and your
spouse. We can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of
things. This year - don't! If you feel yourself getting
stressed, take a long walk, a long bath, listen to the
carolers, or have a quick tumble on the floor with your
kids.

Try to remember what the season means to you and your
family. Don't let others stress you out, and, as they say -
"Remember the reason for the season!" Happy Holidays!

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