Handyman News
... Creating Holiday Memories
December 14, 2006
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Greetings!

This time of year brings great joy as we reconnect with friends and family. Sometimes we do too much and the stress can affect our enjoyment.

To help make your holiday season more enjoyable, we're sharing a few of our favorite ideas! Ideas about taking care of yourself first, focusing on fewer activities that everyone will enjoy more and tips for saving time when decorating your home. While our consumer driven economy teaches us that more (product) is better, we believe that making time for what's important will be much more satisfying, i.e. what memories would you like to make.

Wishing you wonderful HOLIDAY memories.
...From the team at My Handyman of Southern NH

Parents and other caretakers put the needs of others before their own. This might not be wise - recall that on an airplane, you're told to put your oxygen mask on before helping those next to you. If you're tired or unhappy, it will be difficult for you to create that festive mood you want for the holidays. Thus, some tips for taking care of yourself:

  • Quiet Time: Set aside just 30 minutes a day for yourself. Take a nap, read a book, relax, ...
  • Eat Healthy: Simple foods, fruits and vegetables will give you more energy than fats or sugar.
  • Sleep and Exercise: You're working harder, so give yourself a little more time to rejuvenate.
  • Pamper Yourself: Treat yourself to a massage, a manicure or lunch with a friend. Last night a close friend and I made wreaths (3rd year) at an Urban Forestry Center class.
Too often parents focus on children's presents. Think back to your own childhood holidays - what do you remember? There might be 1 or 2 gifts that stand out but more likely you'll remember baking cookies with Mom or decorating the yard with Dad. Family time should include traditions that create memories:

  • Baking Holiday Treats: Buy some great pre-made cookie dough or a gingerbread house kit to decorate, ... and give your children (and yourself) that special time together.
  • Community Service: Visit a nursing home (less than half the residents have visitors) or adopt a family are just a few ways to show your children how to make someone's life better.
  • Read Together: Snuggle up for a classic or a new holiday book, The Christmas Shoes.
  • Family Movies: Classics like Home Alone or a new one I liked, A Boyfriend for Christmas.
  • Take Pictures/Video: Capture the memories to share and enjoy, year after year.
Handyman Wreath
Decorating should be fun. If it becomes a chore, you're doing too much so here are some ideas for saving time. This year I decided there was only time to decorate the main living areas. I also opted for an artificial tree to save decorating and cleanup time. With a few sprigs of fresh greens and wreaths, I've forgotten it's not real.

  • Artificial Trees: They're quite attactive, easy to put up and by adding in sprigs of fresh cut greens, they smell great too.
  • Hidden Treasures: Fill flower vases, bowls and baskets (things you have) with colorful ornaments, pinecones and holiday cards.
  • Family Memory Book: Capture the hilights of everyone's lives including art work, special letters, headlines, photos. For more ideas, see Family First.
  • Family Memorabilia: Decorate with forgotten family items - sports (skates, skis, hockey sticks), hang stockings on doors and hang old family photos on holiday ribbon.
Gift Certificate Image
If you're still searching for a gift for that "busy" person, My Handyman gift certificates are a great idea. We offer half day and full day certificates to complete your to do list, giving that person peace of mind.

We have "project packages" for remodeling a bathroom, kitchen or special room. These certificates come packaged with a book to help you finalize your ideas.

Wishing you, your family and friends ... a wonderful holiday season!
Tina Gleisner, President
My Handyman of Southern NH

phone: Bedford 472-2247, Derry 432-5906, Exeter 773-5904 or Portsmouth 433-5905
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