The days are just packed. What a wonderful time of year. When there is so much going on, and so much still to be done, I always have to remind myself to breathe. Here are some simple things I recommend to get through the holidays in one piece.
1) Stay on your usual sleep patterns as much as possible. Go to bed at the same time, have that cup of calming tea, and try to clear your mind before you turn out the lights.
2) Stop when you are exhausted. Start early tomorrow when you are fresh.
3) Have a simple lunch each day of homemade vegetable soup (made in huge batches and frozen in single servings ready to heat up) whole grain bread and a piece of fruit. Nutritionists say making one of your meals each day always the same helps maintain your weight. Another alternative -- subway six inch sub + piece of fruit.
4) Don't diet. Have just a little of the things you love, and don't skip meals. Look at yourself with a loving eye, not a critical eye.
5) Find great gifts that can be given to multiple people. My parents and in laws all get Pine Cone Hill Robes this year, so do all the guys on my list.
6) Buy all of your best girlfriends variations of the same item. My gal pals are getting Metalsgirl charm bangles plus plain bangles. (don't tell them!) I have done this for about 8 years now.
7) Pick one great hostess / neighbor gift and buy plenty. Right now Voluspa 3 wick candles are impressing my hotesses and neighbors around Houston.
8) Don't believe you have to make all the food from scratch. Make a few of your signature items, and buy the rest.
9) Say no. Don't accept every invitation, every project, every request from others. Honor yourself by being selective.
10) Let go of perfect. This is so hard for some of us. Things we do with love and thoughfulness are much better than perfection.

I hope some of these simple suggestions reduce your holiday madness just a little.

Be happy, Give Simple.
Christine