1. PRIORITIZE.  What are the traditions that mean most to you and your family?  What are the holiday activities you really enjoy doing? By picking the most important parts of your holiday and focusing your energy on them, you can reduce the stress from trying to do it ALL!  Most importantly, what non-holiday activities can be put on hold until after January 1?  To enjoy this time of year most, give yourself a break - some of those things on your To-Do list can be put off until later!
2. PLAN.  Schedule your holiday priorities on your calendar!  Set aside specific blocks of time to write your holiday cards, do your shopping, mail gifts, etc.  The time to do it all won't just magically appear in your busy schedule.  Plan it now; then, when something unscheduled comes up, you can decide whether or not you really have time for it and want to add it in to your schedule.
3. PURGE.  As you pull out your holiday decorations this year, don't be afraid to get rid of the ones you never use anymore. If you feel you just have to have some new decorations, get rid of one old for each new one you bring in.  If you no longer put up a large tree, the big ornaments you've had for years probably don't fit your life anymore.  Donate them or give them to others who will use them.  One of my clients has multiple family nativity sets; she plans to give them to her family this Christmas as gifts - what a lovely idea!  Are there special ornaments or decorations you can give to family members instead of having them sit in your attic for another year?

This can be a wonderful time of year.  ENJOY your special traditions, gather your loved ones near, and give thanks for all the people and things that are part of your life.  I give thanks for having each of you in my life!  Happy Thanksgiving!

- Maryann Murphy