This great holiday planner just arrived in my inbox from InfantTravler’s newsletter (sign up here).  Great tips for the holidays AND you cold use some of these for your eBay Business too!  Brilliant job Melissa.

Hi All,

Hope you are getting a chance to go out and enjoy the beautiful Fall weather!  Out my window, I see snow or termination dust as it’s called around here on the mountaintops.  I love everything about Christmas and holidays in general, however, there have been some years, after the fact where I have some remorse about the special things I did not get to enjoy. 

So here are some tips from my holiday game plan…

1. Make a plan.  Get out your pen and paper and make a list of the top memories you would like to have after the holiday.  Imagine your perfect holiday…baking cookies, seeing the Nutcracker, lighting your yard so it can be seen from the Space Shuttle.  Whatever it is, write it down.  If your children are old enough, have them make their own list.  You might be amazed at what they remember and think is special. (I braved darkness, cold, and snow drifts to take my oldest child caroling last year…her favorite part…the cocoa.  I’m getting special cocoa mugs and staying home this year!) 

2.  Prioritize the list.  You do not need to delete anything, just put the most important items to you at the top.  This way if things do not go as planned, the memories you want most will be given first priority in a world of limited time, etc.  Be sure to incorporate your children’s & spouse’s list, too.  Maybe one thing from each child’s list could be a high priority.

3.  Make yourself permission slips to say, “NO”.  Very important step. Put them on your calendar, phone, rearview mirror, refrigerator, etc.  I know it sounds harsh, however, it is necessary.  The phone will ring and someone special or not so special in your life will say can you, your child, your wallet, whatever do, see, visit, donate, etc.  In a perfect world, you accommodate all requests.  In the real world, if you do not say no…you will find yourself overwhelmed and grumbling instead of enjoying your holiday.  Decline gracefully and those who truly care about you will understand. 

4.  Put it on the Calendar. Get out your calendar and the prioritized list.  By my count there are 76 days to Christmas and even fewer to Hanukkah.  Make a copy of your calendar or print one off the internet so you can erase and move things around.  Chances are not everything fits, examine your list again, make sure the things that matter most to you/spouse/children are on the calendar.  Have a talk with your children, Aunt Miltilda, etc.  Explaining ahead of time that a visit to the North Pole or marathon shopping the day after Thanksgiving will not be possible this year helps everyone adjust their expectations. 

5.  Make the Lists.  Don’t forget to transfer your working calendar to the one you actually live by.  Get a looseleaf binder and put your working calendar in it. A bright colored binder that you can find, no matter how deep the stuff piled on top is helpful.  Make a separate piece of paper for each event or memory to create.  Put down all the items you need to shop for, find, pack etc. under each title. (Hint:  Do not assume the punch bowl you are planning to use as a centerpiece is in the bottom of the closet, all your lights from last year work, etc. Check!) Also, make a list of tickets or appointments you need and make the calls now.  (For new parents, photography studios book up quickly for holiday portraits)

6.    Evaluate the List, Again. How do you feel about the list now.  Looking at all the items you need to shop for, cards to send, events to be on time for, etc. Is this list doable by a mere mortal.  Maybe you could rotate some activities, caroling this year and gingerbread house next year.  Perhaps, combine activities…seeing the Nutcracker and taking Aunt Miltilda shopping before or after.  Think about the moments between the activity list, will you have enough downtime to have some cocoa and relax or just be a drill sargeant barking orders to get the list accomplished?  Be honest…maybe erase something from the calendar and downgrade it from a “must” to a maybe.

7.  Be flexible. Some of the greatest memories are spontaneous…i.e…An unexpected snowfall in Florida and all bets for safe driving are off.  Don’t fret, go outside and have some fun! 

This is part of my game plan for the holidays. Hope you have found something of value to make your holidays memorable. 

Wish me luck…those permission slips to say no are the hardest!

All the best, Melissa Guernsey

www.InfantTraveler.com

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