13 Ways To Simplify Your Christmas
by Alyice Edrich
1. Slow down. Don't be in such a hurry to get from point A to
point B. Take the time to enjoy the magic of the season.
2. Read the story of Christ's birth. Take time out to remember
what the holiday is really about. Read the story of Christ's
birth and explain its meaning to your children, grandchildren,
and/or friends.
3. Bake a birthday cake. Help your children make a cake, decorate
it, and then on December 24, sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus
Christ.
4. Make a gift. Instead of purchasing an expensive gift that you
can't afford, make your gift recipient's favorite thing.
5. Stay home. Make arrangements to visit friends and family the
day before or after the holiday, so that you can spend Christmas
day at home, with your loved ones.
6. Play games. What games do you remember playing as a child? Are
there any games that an entire group of people can play together?
Make time to be a kid again.
7. Light watch. Is there an area in your town that goes all out
with outside Christmas decorations? Nothing brings more cheer to
the holiday than watching the faces of young children "oh and ah"
at the beauty of the lights.
8. Christmas carol. Take your family and friends Christmas
caroling. You could even bring along a tin can and get donations
for your local charity.
9. Donate your time. Take a day, out of the holiday season, to
give back to the community. Volunteer in an old folks home—some
don't have family visiting for the holidays. Serve the homeless a
hot meal. Hold a drug-addicted baby at your local hospital.
10. Delegate tasks. Don't take on the responsibility of making
everything work and look perfect. After making your "to do" list,
break it up between family members according to age, maturity,
and physical ability to get the task done.
11. Request kitchen help. Sure, it's your home. But it's your
family attending the celebration. Ask them to lend a hand
cleaning up after the festivities are over. If you can't get
yourself to ask for help, leave the mess for the following day
and hire a maid to come in for a day.
12. Pot luck the meal. Just because the dinner is taking place in
your home doesn't mean you have to foot the bill or make all the
dishes. Ask each visitor to bring a dish, and don't be afraid to
specify what you would like each guest to bring.
13. Prepare meals ahead of time. Prepare one dish a day and
freeze or refrigerate that meal. Reheated food really isn't that
bad and you'll have more time to mingle and laugh with your
guests, instead of missing out on all the fun.
Just remember: Creating memories is a priceless gift. Memories
will last a lifetime; things only a short-period of time. What's
important is the time you share with those you love- for you never
know what tomorrow holds.
About The Author:
High gas prices preventing you from having a little spending
money or eating out? Discover the secrets to eating out, buying
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