We can become what we want to be, by being what we want to become. Richard G. Scott 

Get Organized for the Holidays

Do you have a million thoughts going through your mind about what you need to get done for the approaching holidays?  Read these thoughts to start getting organized for the busy holiday season.

1.  Start now. If you start now, you can take more time to do the things you want to do in the right way and you won’t be rushed.

2.  Plan.  Make a plan.  Use your calendar and write in everything that needs to happen and when it needs to happen through the holiday season.

3.  Make lists.  Refer to each event on your calendar you will be involved in and write down what you need to do to make it happen.

4.  Start shopping.  Shop now while you can get a parking place and you have a great selection to choose from.  With all the competition between stores nowadays, there is always a good sale at some store going on.  If you are looking for the “steal of a deal” the day after Thanksgiving, hopefully that will only be for a few items and you can accomplish the rest before then.

Shop for your Christmas cards early while the selection is great.  Christmas cards are a reflection of who you are, especially in business – related associates.

Shop for Christmas gifts now, especially those you have to ship overseas or across the country.  By doing this, you avoid long lines at the post office or shipping center.  You can always mark boxes, “Do Not Open until Christmas” if you have to ship them early.  Being organized will allow you more time to select meaningful gifts for the people and business associates on your Christmas list.

It is so much more fun to walk the malls and feel the season in the air if all the shopping is already done.  It takes away all the stress and allows you to have all the fun.

5.  Make travel arrangements now.  If you haven't already done so, now is the time to make travel reservations. Selection and fares will be the least expensive now.  Talk with all family members involved and make those necessary decisions, so you can have all your reservations booked ahead of time, if you are traveling.

6.  Home Parties.  If you’re having parties in your home over the holiday season, start making arrangements now for any maintenance and preparations that need to be done, such as carpet cleaning, light bulbs changed, specialty foods ordered, Christmas decorations set up, care for your children if they aren’t attending the party, house cleaning, catering, musicians, etc.

7.  Personal Preparations & Shopping.  Especially if you are having a business party in your home, you want to look your very best because you are a reflection of your partner.  When you look your best, you compliment your spouse also.  It is unspoken language that everyone wants to meet and see what the “other half” looks like.

Take this time to make appointments for hair, nails, facials, dental appointment, shopping for the perfect outfit(s), and any other personal things you need to get done before the party dates.  By planning and organizing, this will allow you to be very calm leading up to the party date and enjoy the party.

If you follow these ideas for organizing for the holidays, you will be able to

 enjoy the season and being around loved ones -- people that are meaningful in your life, thus avoiding all the negative aspects of the holiday season.  Remembering what the holiday season is really about will add fulfillment to this special time of year.

Have an organized, wonderful and memorable holiday season. 

Betty Gustin

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