Taming The Madness

This is the time of year that we set aside specific time to reflect on all the wonderful blessings we have. We focus on the huge things like our family, home, job, car and friends as well as the gobs of little things like coffee, Diet Coke, Reese’s Cups and warm cozy sweaters. We could never truly list all of the things that we are and should be grateful for. So, why are we a grumpy sort of people sometimes?

We sometimes get grumpy during this season of Thanksgiving & Christmas because there is so much to do and so much to get for this time of the year.

How do we tame the madness?

I’m going to give you the best kept secret ever! You are going to thank me for years to come for revealing this to you. Shoot…..maybe you’ll even throw a party in my honor, who knows. Here it is…..

Plan ahead!

You heard me. A little planning is all it takes!

Here are some easy ways to do so:

1. Between now and Christmas, start purchasing the pantry staples you’ll need for your gatherings. Add a little into your weekly shopping trip and the cost won’t kill you either.


2. Take advantage of Christmas items already being displayed and toss in a roll of wrapping paper to your buggy.


3. Plan easy family meals for the day/night just prior to your larger events. Your family will enjoy the change and you’ll have less to worry about.


4. Make your Christmas List right NOW. (I’ll wait) Divide it up and start purchasing some items so that the finances are not stressed the week before Christmas. If you get your shopping done ahead of time, you can simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.


5. Are you baking gifts for others this year? Gather up all of your supplies with each shopping trip. Plan who is getting what and jot down the items you need.


6. CANDY – Candy is on sale – especially right after Halloween. Purchase some bags of it and DO NOT eat it. Gosh…trust me when I say that I know how hard that is, but put it away for stockings and make up a few bags for those last minute gifts that you can pop into a nice container and present JOYfully.


7. Plan a simple yet delicious Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. It doesn’t have to cost a lot and the presentation can be amazing, especially for you artsy types. Turkeys go on sale, so do all the other items. You could easily pull off a huge meal for less than 40 bucks. Less than going out to eat at many places these days.


8. Slowly decorate your home. Don’t rush through the evenings like a mad person, barking out orders, shoving things out of the way – instead, turn on some soothing Christmas Music and enlist the help of your family. Have fun, sing LOUD and make a wonderful memory.


9. Start a Gratitude List and display on your refrigerator. Include a column for each of your family members names. Add to it daily to keep your heart in the true spirit of thankfulness.


10. Tell others what they mean to you. Such a small thing when you think about it as it doesn’t take a lot of time or effort, BUT when you are the one hearing it….it’s priceless.


11. Start writing out Christmas Cards now! Do this as you are watching TV in the evenings. As you are writing you'll be thinking of the amazing people that fill your world with great JOY and gratitude will flood your heart!


12. Schedule YOURSELF some down time! You are planning for everything, leaving nothing out.....well, sortof. Make sure you plan some time to simply relax and be joyful.

There are so many more that I could include here, but I want to hear some of YOUR tips for taming the busiest season of the year!

I also want to see some of the things you are thankful for – big and LITTLE…so use the comment box below and share with us!