Greetings!
Now that the leaves have fallen and are being raked it is time to look ahead to the holidays. Yes I said it the holidays.
Check out holiday helps and ideas in this newsletter. |
| Words from Deb |
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How to Avoid Hassled Holidays
Want to reduce some of the Holiday hassles and avoid disappointments?
Start with some Daily Reminders:
- Get plenty of sleep, exercise, and don't over eat
- Control the impulse buying (use cash)
- Eat something healthy before you go the parties
- Drink in moderation 1 drink 1 water or soda
- Use cash to by holiday gifts to avoid the January gift giving debt overwhelm
- Buy one or two gifts with each paycheck
I am writing this on election day were every candidate is talking about change, maybe there needs to be some changes in your family so let's start here and now.
- Take some time to talk with family find out what is most important to them for the holidays. This can help to set realistic expectations and eliminating unrealistic expectations and shattered dreams. (Examples)
- I Want to stay home
- I Want to visit every relative
- I Want for 5 favorite kinds of cookies
- I want a new car
Get the family to agree on what will really happen
You will find more holiday planning ideas below.
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| Holiday Timeline |
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 Following is the start of a timeline to help spread out or eliminate some of the holiday stress.
2nd Week of November
- Set holiday gift budget
- Make out the Thanksgiving menu
- Create Thanksgiving grocery shopping list
- Buy Christmas cards
- Make gift list
- Hang outdoor lights while still warm
3rd Week of November
- Thanksgiving grocery shopping
- Address Christmas card envelopes
- Write one Christmas letter to copy for all cards
4th Week of November
- Start some of the holiday shopping keep eye out for bargains
- Watch for specials on stocking stuffers
- Stuff and mail holiday cards mailing out of town cards first ( add personal notes to letter where needed)
- Make baking grocery list and shop for baking supplies
1st Week of December
- Mail local cards
- Make one batch of cookies or bread and put in the freezer
- Shop for one or 2 more gifts
- Decorate the house
- Put up the tree
2nd Week of December
- Wrap gifts you have already bought
- Finish shopping
- Have 1 or 2 holiday gifts for unexpected needs (party hostess, teacher, forgotten friend or neighbor could be baked item)
3rd Week of December
- Make holiday menu and grocery list
- Wrap last of the gifts
- Bake one more batch of goodies
4th Week of December
- Shop for holiday groceries
- Make time to relax and enjoy
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| Budget Strategies the holidays |
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The economy and personal finances may be forcing some changes in the holidays also. $
- Set a Holiday budget
- Let your children know that you are not spending as much on gifts this year
- Ask them to give you one thing that they really want that is within your budget
- Either buy a few gifts each paycheck or set some money a side each paycheck to buy the gifts
- Make a gift list
- Watch for sales of the item that are on your list
- Don't use your credit card to pay for the holidays
- Give gifts of your time (help sister paint a room, shovel grandma's walk 10 times, babysit for someone for 5 hours for free)
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| ADHD Gift Ideas and Resources |
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Need gift ideas for someone with ADHD? Check out
- Gift of small tape recorder
- Tape recorder pen for students (at Target)
- Key hanger
- Front door organizer for keys, phones, bills
- Vibrating alarm watch
- Moving alarm clock
- Clapper
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| Happy Holidays -- Really! |
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Another Helpful article for the Holidays
Four easy ways for ADD adults to get organized, simplify life, and better manage gift-giving this holiday season.
by Marla Cilley
Do you dread the holidays? Do you feel like jumping into bed and pulling the covers over your head until January? Here are 4 lists that can help keep you sane. more.. |
