. Decide what to delete. Which obligations add to your stress level each year? What activities would you rather forgo? Decide in advance how to diplomatically decline these engagements. . Your family has to eat every day, right? While cooking those meals, why not double your recipes while you’re at it? It really doesn’t take that much extra effort.
Do you usually spend time in front of the TV each evening? If so, why not wrap gifts, address Christmas cards or work on crafts while watching your favourite shows? And don’t forget to include a little Christmas shopping as you run your normal errands each week. Proactive simplification is manageable when you do a little at a time and combine Christmas preparations with tasks you must do anyway.