There are some of us who look forward to the holidays with excitement, joy, and absolute glee! While there are also some of us who dread the holidays completely! I find myself in the middle of these two areas, because while I am not dreading the holidays, I am little hesitant to embrace it completely, because I can foresee the chaos, the change of schedule, and the craziness that is about to take place in the next 4-6 weeks!
Here is my guide and tips to surviving the holidays as a working mama!
SOME TIPS!
Apps and Programs that I like to utilize:
- Google Tasks – There are tons of to-do items and lists that need to be done during the holidays, and tasks are a quick way to be reminded about what we still have to get done on that to-do list.
- Google Calendar – All those holiday parties, lunches, school plays, etc need to be scheduled, so utilizing your google calendar (or calendar on your Iphone) is necessary. I have an iphone, but I still am partial to all my google apps.
- Google Sheets – I use google sheets for all necessary holiday planning, such as gifts, dinners, supplies to buy (wrapping paper, tape, etc.), and who it’s assigned to, if I’m not taking care of it myself. So I know exactly what responsibilities I assigned to whom.
- Smartsheets – I utilize smartsheets at work for event planning, tasks, etc. Not so much for personal tasks and events, but it’s a wonderful tool to use if you have access to this program and app.
SHOPPING ONLINE IS LIFE!
- Amazon! – this is common knowledge and not at all a surprise. Amazon has helped me year after year after year. I have in-laws as far away as Hong Kong, and I need to be able to ship directly to them when holidays and birthdays are coming around. There is also the gift wrapping option, with I LOVE.
- Other big retails stores such as TARGET, MACYS, WALMART, and more offer online shopping, and free shipping during the holiday season. For this reason I ALWAYS START MY SHOPPING EARLY IN THE YEAR, AROUND OCTOBER. I live in Hawaii, and the shipping to here takes a long time.
- If you are going to be shopping online – if there is a ship to store option, take it! Usually it’s free, and it’s quicker. You will get your items in half the time.
GIFT CARDS – When All else fails, buy a TON of gift cards and give them out accordingly. Put them in little christmas gift card holders and always have them on you. It’s not very personal, but it’s something. It’s also a great option for children’s teachers, librarians, cafeteria workers, etc. (Note: I like to spoil the people that have my children in their care during the day.)
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS – It’s not always easy to find time to clean, prep, and get the house ready for the holidays, and I know that if you are like me, you want to make it magical! Always enlist the help of your little ones, because here’s the thing – THEY DON’T CARE HOW IT LOOKS, THEY JUST WANT TO BE INCLUDED. So pop on the holiday tunes, LOUD, make some holiday treats, and have fun with your family! Make sure everyone is involved in the decorating, and it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be something that you all did together. It will be memories that your children will hold with them forever.