How to Beat the Holiday Hype

From Confessions of a Shopoholic with some festive updates.

The Holiday Season can be crazy! Shopping, parties, dinners, work, and running around all month long to get everything perfect for Christmas day. It can feel very overwhelming at times. This year has been rather calm for me with the help of these four tips:

1. Do something small each day. As soon as December hit I was ready to deck the halls. But the thought of buying new decoration for the apartment, decorating the house and the tree quickly deflated me. Instead, I did a little decorating each day. I went to the store on a few occasions to find the perfect decorations, would come home, set them aside, and the next day I would decorate. Same goes for wrapping presents. I didn't want to wait until the last minute, so I have been wrapping a few presents each night. This tip has really helped me relax and not do too much all at once.

2. Set a budget for gifts. This Saturday some friends and I are having a Yankee swap party. It's a great way to get everyone together and not spend a lot of money. Our budget is $20 and I am pretty excited to give my gift. I would love to buy gifts for everyone, but I just can't afford it and neither can my friends. Being young 20-somethings. we aren't made of money, ya know. For close friends, I gave myself a $10 budget, which is a good price especially with all the holiday deals going on. The holidays should not stress you out about money. Even homemade cards are wonderful gifts to send loved ones.

3. Start shopping early. This tip may be coming a bit late, but there's always next year. Along with setting a budget, start your holiday shopping early. I started before Black Friday, which I avoid at all costs, and now I only have two people left to shop for. It's a nice feeling knowing I am almost done and it's only December 11th. It also helps to budget better. Shopping for a few people each week is a great way to watch your spending and find the perfect gift, as opposed to trying to do last minute shopping. Plus, we all know the stores are crazier the closer it gets to the holiday. No thank you.

4. Don't spread yourself too thin. There are going to be parties every weekend from now until Christmas, and even after that with the New Year. repeat with me. It's okay to say no. Prioritize time for people you may not get to see as often, and don't be afraid to say no. This goes the same for people who are hosting parties. Remember, people are there to see one another, you don't have to go overboard on food. Don't be afraid to hold a pot luck style party. Guests understand how hectic the holidays can be and, are more often than not, very willing to bring a dish to pass.Enjoy the good company.