Holiday Stress Test!

On a yearly basis, we as woman undergo a series of tests.  We test our eyesight, our hearing and we even have the dreaded mammogram and Pap smear.  All of these tests are designed to determine if we are A - OK.

But do you know that each and every year, we  undergo a crucial test to measure our mental stability?  I’ll bet you’re thinking, “I don’t remember taking a mental stability test.”  Ok think again.

This test takes place each and every year starting the week before Thanksgiving and ending the week after New Year’s Eve.  It’s called the Holiday Insanity Test.  This is the ultimate test to see if we are capable of maintaining our sanity against all odds.

The Holiday Season is supposed to be filled with joy and happiness.  But we all know, it can be incredibly busy, emotional and stressful.   But we’re supposed to be singing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”?  Boy the dichotomy is obvious.

We started saying things like, “I’m tired, I’m irritable and have so much to do.”  As the days progress it’s “I’m not going to get everything done before Christmas.”  Then we start getting personal.  “My husband does nothing, the kids want everything and my boss is a pain where I sit.”  You know you’re ready to crack when you finally say,  “I hate the Holiday Season.”

Do you really want to be Halloween Hilda’s Wicked Whiny Witch or Scrooges Ba Hum Bug Bitch? No no, nay nay.

You really can turn this Season of Stress into Holiday Happiness.   The solution is simple.  Try the 3 V diet.  Vitamins, vodka and valium.   OK I’m really just joking.  Can’t mix vodka and valium – so take your choice. 

In all seriousness, if you want the Holiday season to be easy then all you have to do is GO  GO  GO!!  No, I don’t mean start running around shopping, I mean GO --GET Organized.  No, I can already hear you saying, “I don’t have time to get organized.”

Trust me you can’t afford NOT to get organized.  Remember in every situation, success is 90% preparation and 10% execution.  In the next few days I’ll start giving  you some  EZ organizational tips to allow you to enjoy the Holiday Season.

So get your paper and pencils or computers ready and put aside a couple of hours to begin the process.  Yes, you actually have to allocate that time to get organized--that is your first step!  And start your thinking process with the following:

What are the most important things I want and/or need to do for this Holiday Season?  Your list can include things like:

Christmas Shopping

Christmas Cards

Christmas Party

Home Improvement for the Holidays

Decorate House

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

Fluff and Buff

Family Fun

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Day

Romance Time (Don’t laugh)

Personal Fun (Don’t laugh again)

Botox

Charity Work

Church

Baking

Once the list is completed, congratulate yourself --you now have your Holiday Sanity Goal Sheet!  And we’re off!!!!