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Time Management During the Holidays

Submitted by Lorene Bartos, UNL Extension Educator

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There is so much to do and so little time to do it. How will I manage to get everything done that needs to be finished by the first holiday event? Decorating, baking, cooking, shopping and planning holiday events can cause stress to family members. Try these tips to lessen the stress of the holidays for your family.

**Set a time line for getting things done. Decide what can be done ahead of time and what are last minute tasks. Make a list so you can see the achievements you have made.

**Do shopping, cleaning and major tasks at your high energy time.

**Don't let being a perfectionist interfere with having an enjoyable holiday. Family and friends are coming to visit you and your family. Do what you can and don’t worry about the rest.

**Clean up spills and stains when they happen. Stains are removed more easily when treated immediately.

**Do cleaning and decorating by room. You will feel a sense of accomplishment when you can see one room completed.

**Make a list before going shopping. Keep all receipts for gifts in one place. This will save frustrations after the holidays, if items need to be returned.

**For last minute shopping, call the store to see if they have the needed item before making the trip.

**Involve all family members in preparing and sending holiday cards and letters. Postcards are a quick way to send a note to let family and friends know you are thinking of them. Send cards only to those you don’t see regularly and can’t say Happy Holidays in person.

**Wrap gifts as you purchase them to save the hassle of storing them and then having them all to wrap at once.

**Save money by giving gift certificates for child care, home cooked meal, snow shoveling, lawn mowing or raking, or other tasks you and your family can perform.

**Prepare the tables for meals the night before to save stress at the last minute. Children can help with these tasks and enjoy being part of the holiday celebration.

**When opening gifts have trash bags handy so unwanted wrappings can be disposed of immediately. Just make sure gifts don’t get put in the trash.

**When traveling for the holidays, check weather, construction work to plan for delays or change route before leaving. If flying, call the airport for flight information before leaving home. Have neighbors or family keep a eye on your home while you're gone. Set lights on timer so it appears someone is home. Be sure all windows and doors are locked before you leave.

Holiday time is a time to spend with family and friends and enjoy the time together. Take time during the busy season to enjoy the decorations and each other. Planning ahead will help lighten the stress of the holidays.