Holiday planning: Do less; share more; enjoy the times

[November 27, 2013]  Create a holiday calendar and write everything on it that the household will be involved in. Conflicts will become more apparent. Anyone can know at any given time where someone else is, and no one will get left behind this time, maybe.

Make a list of all the things you would like to do for the holidays. Now prioritize and cross off some items. Come to realize that you cannot do it all. If you reduce the list and focus on fewer things, your holidays will become more enjoyable.

Plan ahead for food events. Get the menu set. Consider the time you have available and adjust the menu accordingly. Plan on doing prep ahead of time by looking at your calendar and determining when you are going to have time to do specific chores.

Encourage participation. Take on a new attitude about allowing guests to help with preparations. Instead of leaving folks in the living room, bring them into the kitchen, give them a task and enjoy the time of visiting while they are working.

[LDN]