Preparing for New Years

There is only a week between Christmas and New Year so that is one of the reason the holidays seem so busy. They both often involve preparing big meals or parties but usually of a very different nature. And at no other time of the year are there two major holidays so close together. So when cleaning up from one party, it seems as though you roll right into the preparation of the next.

You can take the high road and be a guest for both holidays. Most of us host one but try to alleviate the stress by being a guest for the other. If you are brave enough to host both, monitor your stress levels. No matter which makes up your holiday season, make your life easier by doing some advance planning.

If attending that special celebration at a club or event, book at least three months ahead. Don't rush around the day after Christmas to find someplace to go for New Year's Eve. Many venues fill up weeks in advance, so keep your stress level down by making plans as soon before the holiday season starts as possible.

If those plans involve air or train travel, this advice goes double. Everyone knows that air travel is heavily booked during the holidays. Consider leaving Christmas night, or even spending Christmas where you plan to celebrate the New Year. If possible travel when others would choose not to; very early in the morning or later at night. Trade the few hours of sleep for a much less stressful time at th airport or train station.

If you plan to have the big New Year's bash at your home set aside some of the budget for extra help the week after Christmas. Many hands make light work. Having good help to shop, clean, cook and decorate leaves you free to send invitations and other needed tasks. It takes good planning to have a smooth party so concentrate your efforts there if the budget allows.

The day of the party you'll have much more time for those last minute items if you've got reliable help. Give yourself that time to plan and execute by getting help on Christmas Day clean up, too. It is actually an old tradition to have this type of help during the holiday season whether it be a hired hand or family and friends. Use the spirit of the holiday to recruit some close friends or loved ones. They will most likely feel honored that you thought of them to share in the celebration planning.

A long list of habitual tasks can tie up anyone full time. They'll vary from individual to individual. But anyone can find things that don't have to be done today. Pay the bills in advance so they don't have to be dealt with that week. Put off doctor visits, if possible. Accept fewer invitations the week after Christmas.

Keep your stress low and it will also help maintain your health during a season that for some is often full of tension. Plan ahead and you'll be able to enjoy the holiday that much more.

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