Thursday, December 3, 2009

Christmas Shopping Stressing You Out?

It's that time of year. The hustle and bustle of people rushing about looking for the perfect gift or preparing for a family gathering. Lists are everywhere...grocery lists, card lists, gift lists, housecleaning lists, decorating lists. Does it ever stop? It does if that is what you chose.

Much of our stress is caused by the feeling of being in a hurry. Add to that a few money worries each time the plastic is laid out for payment and you have the perfect recipe for feeling out of control. Try a few of these tips and you may find yourself suddenly singing along with the all Christmas music all the time station.

1. Plan ahead. Not a day or week ahead. Plan a few months ahead. Christmas comes once a year, EVERY year. It is not something that sneaks up on anyone. So start thinking about your Christmas plans in late summer.

2. Bury the plastic and pay with cash. When you pay with a credit card you are likely to spend 30% more and you will be paying for these gifts long into the next year (maybe even longer). When you pay with cash you only spend what you can afford and you do not have to worry with payments over the next year.

3. Set a dollar limit on gifts. Make a deal with family and friends so that you all do the same.

4. Set a limit to the number of parties you will host and/or attend.

5. Use a word processing program to print address labels for your Christmas cards. Save the file so that next year you only have to update the few addresses that have changed. If you need a template check out avery.com .

6. Sleep. Make certain you are getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep will amplify any stress you are feeling.

7. Remember the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of Christ. This holiday was not always about buying gifts. It was about a young couple who were chosen by God to bring his son into this world.

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