This is usually the time of year where everything starts to happen. When I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING. From catch ups with friends, your child’s or children’s class gatherings, the child’s school and kindergarten concerts, end of year drinks, parties, and the thing that drains us most of all – the buying of gifts. No matter what though, we seem to do it every year. It’s like we never learn our lesson. Well, sometimes we do, but sometimes I think we just feel like we HAVE to get everything done.

In the past few years, I’ve always baked something for my girls’ class, instead of giving candy cane or mini chocolates to accompany the cards they give to their classmates. This year, I had planned to do the same, but, decided against it. I knew I wouldn’t have enough time or even if I did, I would be so burnt out that it would just make me feel all annoyed and angry, which of course defeats the purpose of giving. So this year, because the girls were keen on doing the cards themselves, I let them – that’s one thing ticked off my list, especially now that they can read AND write! I passed them each their class list and off they went to write up their Christmas cards to their friends. I did tell the girls that I wasn’t going to include any candy or chocolates this year or even cookies, as a)I KNOW their classmates would be getting tonnes from everyone else b)I just cannot be stuffed baking.

Having armed myself with enough information on each of my kids’ teachers, I did my research on the Internet on what I would get them, and then proceeded to the stores to purchase (saving postage), and did that in less than 30 minutes! I also managed to get my husband’s present and presents for everyone else in record time. For the girls, I managed to get their books online and I saved on postage with Fishpond‘s free postage. I shopped for their other presents in November, bearing in mind what my budget for each child was and stuck to it.

There were many “before end of year” catch ups, but this year, I had to choose wisely. I knew if I said yes to everyone of them then I wouldn’t enjoy them as I would be too tired. So, I picked those that were important first and passed on those that were not. Keeping the alcohol intake to a minimum is also a good idea, or skip it altogether. You can still have fun without it – it’s the company that matters, and if you think you need one, then maybe you should re-think the company you’re with?

For the day itself, try not to volunteer to do everything. If you’re having everyone at your house this year, why not change the tradition? Why not have each guest/family bring something. Have a barbecue instead of having a traditional roast lunch or dinner. Make easy desserts, or better still buy ready made ones. If you still want to do everything yourself then, keep it simple.

Ok, so to re-cap my tips:

• Delegate – let your kids get in on the festivities by letting them do their own cards, decorations, etc.
• Start shopping early (ok too late now, so this is for next year)
• Do your research online before heading out to the shops
• Don’t say yes to every invitation – be picky
• Change tradition, don’t do everything yourself on Christmas day – again DELEGATE or keep things simple.

Hopefully these tips would be handy enough for some of you out there. I know it has saved me a lot of stress and anger this year.