Joy to Your World: Have a Stress-Free Holiday
Have a truly happy holiday with these family, money and health tips.
By Alina Larson
Mom of three Anita Berding thought past Christmases were hectic. A typical December weekend might involve the office holiday party; costume fittings for the kids' pageants; buying presents for the Brownie troop gift swap, teachers and the neighbors' party; a quick workout; making photo Christmas cards; ice skating with extended family and an awkward conversation with her brother-in-law. This year Anita remarried, adding two stepsons to her family and a host of new challenges to her holidays. "I'm exhausted just thinking about it!" she says.
Which is how many of us feel when we flip the calendar to November and see the Thanksgiving to New Year's marathon is about to begin. Whether you're worried about travel, weight gain, socializing, family tension, gift-buying or all of the above, we've got the stress-busters to make your holidays fun again!
Travel
So Aunt Sally and Uncle Steve have invited the whole clan to Des Moines. Don't end up stranded in Denver. With an estimated 60 million travelers hitting the skies and roads this season, you'll need a little planning to get anywhere without getting stressed.
Try to book as far in advance as you can. If it's possible to arrive or depart on the big days (Thanksgiving or Christmas) you'll not only pay less, you'll have less of a mob to wade through.
Pack carefully. To check up on the latest security restrictions visit tsa.gov. Leave gift-wrapping for your destination. Weigh your luggage beforehand if it seems heavy (check your airline's website for specific rules). Leave room in your carry-on for a good book, your cell phone and its charger. They'll come in handy in case of a delay or a cancellation.
Have a truly happy holiday with these family, money and health tips.
By Alina Larson
Mom of three Anita Berding thought past Christmases were hectic. A typical December weekend might involve the office holiday party; costume fittings for the kids' pageants; buying presents for the Brownie troop gift swap, teachers and the neighbors' party; a quick workout; making photo Christmas cards; ice skating with extended family and an awkward conversation with her brother-in-law. This year Anita remarried, adding two stepsons to her family and a host of new challenges to her holidays. "I'm exhausted just thinking about it!" she says.
Which is how many of us feel when we flip the calendar to November and see the Thanksgiving to New Year's marathon is about to begin. Whether you're worried about travel, weight gain, socializing, family tension, gift-buying or all of the above, we've got the stress-busters to make your holidays fun again!
Travel
So Aunt Sally and Uncle Steve have invited the whole clan to Des Moines. Don't end up stranded in Denver. With an estimated 60 million travelers hitting the skies and roads this season, you'll need a little planning to get anywhere without getting stressed.
Try to book as far in advance as you can. If it's possible to arrive or depart on the big days (Thanksgiving or Christmas) you'll not only pay less, you'll have less of a mob to wade through.
Pack carefully. To check up on the latest security restrictions visit tsa.gov. Leave gift-wrapping for your destination. Weigh your luggage beforehand if it seems heavy (check your airline's website for specific rules). Leave room in your carry-on for a good book, your cell phone and its charger. They'll come in handy in case of a delay or a cancellation.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment