10 Shopping Days to Christmas

Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays on the planet.

And, with just 10 Christmas shopping days left, we can make this a festive holiday season without spending a fortune, giving to everyone and doing it all!

A simple quote that sums it up very nicely:

As we give presents at Christmas, we need to recognize that sharing our time and ourselves is such an important part of giving.

Gordon B. Hinckley

Here are four simple tips to manage your stress this holiday season:

1. Plan your budget. And it’s not too late to trim your list with just 10 shopping days left. If necessary tell people that you are cutting back on gift giving this year. To your surprise, they’ll understand and most likely feel relieved! Most of us have too many ‘things’ in our lives anyway.

They’d likely be happier if they knew you were giving a gift to a local charity.

Barrie Christmas Cheer Helps families in Barrie, Innisfil, Alliston, Oro-Medonte, Angus and other surrounding communities in South Simcoe County.

2. Make time for others – your relationships with others is the greatest gift of all and provides timeless and priceless memories. Cherish those moments! Planning a party – do the shopping with a helper and catch up while you plan the event.

Christmas is a time for everyone to give, not just you.

3. Engaging family members in helping with the chores could mean all the difference between you enjoying Christmas or simply enduring it. Baking, cooking, preparing and decorating for your festival celebration is another opportunity to multi-task. Take advantage of this situation where you can catch up with friends and loved ones. Play some Christmas music, chat, laugh and catch up. Many hands make work light and lots of fun.

4. Take time for yourself. Make time for quiet, relaxing activities. Going to the spa is wonderful but a long hot soak listening to your favourite music or just enjoying some peace and quiet could also help to regenerate your soul. It’s even okay to disconnect from technology. Cell phones and computers have off buttons. Say no to the distractions. If it’s really necessary for someone to connect with you they will call on a land line or drop in.

Keeping things simple, spending time with friends and loved ones and asking for help can make this Christmas truly a celebration to remember.

Merry Christmas Everyone and a have a Happy and Prosperous 2018.