So right about now you are out running around doing the last minute things before you get to the last minute things….
It seems like one minute you are feeling like you have plenty of time and the next minute you are packing up to go to the in-laws. You thought you had a head start. The lights went up and the decor got pulled out. Soon you were decorating the Christmas tree in plenty of time to sit back and have a glass of wine. A lovely thought went through your head. “Now I can relax and enjoy the season for a while.” (Insert a knowing snicker here.)
Holiday decorations, company parties, dinner parties, food prep, money in/money out. It can make your head spin. It might be too late to say don’t wait until the last minute so here are some ideas that might help or make you feel better.
Holiday decorations, company parties, dinner parties, food prep, money in/money out. It can make your head spin. It might be too late to say don’t wait until the last minute so here are some ideas that might help or make you feel better.
Last minute shopping can bring you some great deals.
Make your food prep list NOW. Knowing what you will be making and what you need to do it takes at least half the stress away.
Get wrapping! You probably have bought more than you intended to or missed someone. Wrapping helps clarify this for you. Don’t get caught going to the local convenience store Christmas Eve to fill in the gaps. Just spend an hour at it. It will help keep your festive mood going to see all those wrapped gifts.
More wine is better. Thats all that needs to be said. Stock up.
Buy batteries-because it sucks to run out over the holidays.
Small gifts are ok. I think it is a growing trend to not go crazy with Christmas gifts. (Unless you have small children, then it seems all bets are off!) Take those small gifts and wrap them in a fun way.
Gift cards - Some may feel this is the easy way out and not as much fun as an actual physical gift but I think it is a practical way for people to enjoy your gift on a personal level. Teens love them, husbands love them. Your sister in law would love a gift card to her favourite store or pharmacy (makeup!)
Buy Extra chocolate. Who isn’t going to love a little bar of handmade or boutique chocolate? Really… its chocolate.
Keep your receipts in a safe place to make sure you can easily return items. Better yet ask for a gift receipt to put with your gifts to make it easy for everyone.
Plan your Christmas outfits. Make sure they are comfortable and put together some mix and match alternatives. Don’t forget some cosy Christmas pyjamas! Or- here is my little trick ladies. Yoga pants-boot cut, 3/4 or leggings. (Don't roll your eyes.) First, they are black (my favourite colour) and black goes with everything. Pair them with a glittery sweater, a glamorous jacket or a statement necklace and no one will be the wiser! It will seriously diminish your stress. My hubby calls them universal pants... because you can wear them for anything, even yoga. Pfftt. Yoga.
Have some games handy for company. Nothing says a nap like a big Christmas dinner. Having some games handy will re-engage everyone.
Make your food prep list NOW. Knowing what you will be making and what you need to do it takes at least half the stress away.
Get wrapping! You probably have bought more than you intended to or missed someone. Wrapping helps clarify this for you. Don’t get caught going to the local convenience store Christmas Eve to fill in the gaps. Just spend an hour at it. It will help keep your festive mood going to see all those wrapped gifts.
More wine is better. Thats all that needs to be said. Stock up.
Buy batteries-because it sucks to run out over the holidays.
Small gifts are ok. I think it is a growing trend to not go crazy with Christmas gifts. (Unless you have small children, then it seems all bets are off!) Take those small gifts and wrap them in a fun way.
Gift cards - Some may feel this is the easy way out and not as much fun as an actual physical gift but I think it is a practical way for people to enjoy your gift on a personal level. Teens love them, husbands love them. Your sister in law would love a gift card to her favourite store or pharmacy (makeup!)
Buy Extra chocolate. Who isn’t going to love a little bar of handmade or boutique chocolate? Really… its chocolate.
Keep your receipts in a safe place to make sure you can easily return items. Better yet ask for a gift receipt to put with your gifts to make it easy for everyone.
Plan your Christmas outfits. Make sure they are comfortable and put together some mix and match alternatives. Don’t forget some cosy Christmas pyjamas! Or- here is my little trick ladies. Yoga pants-boot cut, 3/4 or leggings. (Don't roll your eyes.) First, they are black (my favourite colour) and black goes with everything. Pair them with a glittery sweater, a glamorous jacket or a statement necklace and no one will be the wiser! It will seriously diminish your stress. My hubby calls them universal pants... because you can wear them for anything, even yoga. Pfftt. Yoga.
Have some games handy for company. Nothing says a nap like a big Christmas dinner. Having some games handy will re-engage everyone.
 | And lastly: Enjoy the process by putting on your favourite (holiday) music while you run around, wrap gifts and make food. Engage your family as much as possible. Even though the holidays can seem more like a business deadline than a 'holiday' you can get through it with as much joy as possible by socializing ...and drinking wine. (Which is of course the whole point of having a holiday!) |
| But Wait! If you still have a few last minute things to get I have some shameless plugs right here! Here are a couple of my favourite local places to get that perfect unique something. These are last minute gifts that matter that you can pick up in the lovely little town of Ayr Ontario Karen Murray art - yup that is right- I’m plugging my wares. You can buy a framed piece of art right here, they are ready to go! (each piece comes with an authenticity certificate). Just check out the Art4You Gallery above! Come and get ‘em. Boosh - hands down the best lipstick & gloss around town. Their tag- 'Life is dirty, your lipstick doesn't have to be'. Willibald Farm Distillery- so many options here. For the man or couple in your life that likes the finer things. Go out to the farm and pick up a gift card for the restaurant, a bottle of Aaaamazing gin and some accoutrements.  |   |
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