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As cards arrive, make sure you have the current address recorded in your address book, and that you have sent a card to that person this year.
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Book holiday travel early.
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Buy like gifts. If you find a great deal or unusually cool item, buy it for several people on your list.
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Cancel lessons and a few regularly scheduled activities during the holidays.
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Choose which holiday activities you will attend. You can’t do everything!
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Don’t be too ambitious. It is okay to keep it simple.
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Don’t expect the season to be perfect!
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Exercise. You will feel better.
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Get help. You don’t have to do everything yourself.
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If getting a large group together for meals, make it potluck.
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If shopping in a store, call ahead to locate what you need.
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If traveling, allow plenty of time for weather and holiday crowds.
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If you plan to make goodies, candy or cookies, find the recipes, shop for the ingredients. Consider baking early & freezing. Or give out treats early in the season.
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Keep cards, stamps and addresses in a bag, keep with you, and address when you have a few free minutes waiting somewhere.
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Learn how to say no!
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Make a list of all your holiday tasks, and then prioritize. It is okay if not everything gets done.
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Make a list of everyone you need to buy a gift for – include their name, gift ideas or wants, sizes, budget.
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Make a list of everyone you plan to send a holiday or Christmas card to, and find their addresses, put in one place.
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Make notes for next year. Start next years planning list.
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Organize your house, donate unneeded items. Deep clean the house.
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Plan low-cost holiday activities.
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Plan your holiday menus, find the recipes, write a shopping list, start to shop for ingredients. Perhaps make one of the dishes early and freezing it.
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Pull out your holiday clothing and get it cleaned, so it is ready to go!
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Purchase Christmas cards and stamps.
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Put up outside lights and decorations.
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Schedule time to relax.
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Set up a wrapping station, gather all wrapping items. Purchase the items that you need.
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Shop early, and avoid the lines.
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Shop online.
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Sleep well.
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Slow down and enjoy the tender moments of the season, your family and friends.
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Start craft projects early and get them done.
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Start wrapping early.
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Stay flexible.
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Stay out of holiday debt. Plan a budget, be conservative in your spending.
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Take some time off before the holidays to get ready
