Start planning well ahead. Always factor in some time for yourself to relax and celebrate. It’s your holiday too.

Give everyone involved their own role to play. Children can dress a tree, wrap presents, tidy up and set the table. Grandparents can babysit and entertain younger children while you are busy preparing food.

Partners can also assist with the cooking, cleaning and running errands.

Food may be bought and frozen in advance. Prepare as much food as possible on Christmas Eve and have the table set and ready so as you wake up on Christmas morning, all is ready and waiting for you.

Set a deadline for your goals. Try not to procrastinate!

Do your shopping at a time of day when you are alert and relaxed. You’re less likely to forget something.

Delegate tasks, it helps others to learn and take responsibility.

Keep lists of greetings cards, emails, phone calls and texts. Only handle each piece of paper once.

Stay organized at home. Keep on top of muddle and feel like you are winning.

Do not feel obliged to accept every social invitation. You don’t want to begin the New Year exhausted.

Get enough sleep.

Break large tasks down into smaller ones. Each small accomplishment leads to satisfaction.

Do not be a perfectionist. No matter how organized you are, nothing can always go exactly to plan.

Use waiting time efficiently. Write cards, send emails, read or meditate.

When dealing with jobs you least enjoy, do them at once. Wasting time fretting will be stressful.

With effective time management, the holidays can be everything you ever dreamed of.  Enjoy a peaceful and stress free Christmas, recharge your batteries and savor some happiness.]]>