Believe it or not – the year is over! It is Christmas already!!!
This time of the year can get quite stressful with the social and financial juggling. Managing the calendars so there is no clash between Christmas engagements can be quite a challenge. Add to it shopping for gifts, making lists, finding the perfect gift …. I am tired just thinking about it. And then those of us with children have the added dimension of keeping the young folk busy for 6 weeks of school holidays.
How about you? Have you got it all under control? What are your best tips on getting prepared for Christmas?
I see three main pain points at this time. Looking at each of them individually, here’s what has worked for me:
Social Calendar
Last Wednesday was an interesting day – awards at my older one’s school; annual concert at my little one’s and Business related drinks at a client’s! I am sure this pattern is quite normal for most of you during this time. Prioritising the events can get to be quite a task! So how do you deal with an overcrowded social engagement calendar?
- Prioritise – Given that one person cannot be at two places at the same time, prioritise which event is more important. Where possible, split it with your partner or someone suitable. If two equally important events are running at the same time, then can you cover one event and get someone else to cover the other event?
- Make a family planner and update it with all social commitments. Before making new plans make sure you check your planner to avoid clashes and double bookings.
Social Obligations
Quite often we do things because we feel obliged especially with family invitations. It can be particularly stressful when there are relatives you don’t get along with or have clear conflict with
- Be open and upfront about the situation with your partner. Seek their support in handling the situation. If your partner is sympathetic, then perhaps you can make alternate plans.
- In the case where you feel you absolutely have to go, be clear on the purpose. The questions below will help you assess how important it is that you go or not. They will also help you understand the reason why you must go or not. Based on your assessment, decide whether you will attend a function or not.
1. What is the purpose for accepting the invite?
- Is it because you want to please someone else? If “yes” then will they be pleased if they were to realise how miserable you were by attending?
- Is it to feel good about yourself because you have done the “right” thing? If “yes”, then make sure the real motive is not to get pleasure out of becoming a victim.
2. What will happen if you do not accept the invite?
- Will you cause serious irreparable harm to someone? If “yes” then what is the worst that can happen? Is it really worth the grief you will cause yourself?
- Will the earth explode? If “yes” ……. Then think again J
- Will your pride take a hit? If you answered “yes” to this question – then congratulations for being honest.
3. What will happen if you do accept the invite?
- Will you cause serious irreparable harm to yourself? If “yes” then what is the worst that can happen?
- Will the earth explode?
- Will your pride take a hit?
4. What is the pain of accepting the invite worth?
Once you are clear on the purpose, you will find it easier to deal with the situation. Whether you accept the invite or not – the decision becomes yours – not something that was forced upon you!
Managing Finances
This time of the year is great for retailers … but not so great for our own pockets 🙂 As Santa’s helpers we often have a long list of gifts to buy. Once Christmas has come and gone, it is time for those fabulous post-Christmas sales! So how do you keep a handle on the finances? Here are some tips that I follow and find very useful.
Gifts
1. Make sure you have drawn up a budget and put a cap on individual gift amounts.
2. Be clear on the purpose of the gift:
- Are you buying the gift to make the recipient happy? If “yes” then
- Do they really need an expensive gift to make them happy? If “yes” then think again!
- Are you buying the gift to prove to others that you are well-off and can afford it? If “yes” then remember a thoughtful gift will make better friends than an expensive one.
- Are you buying the gift because it is expected of you? If “yes” then
- What would really happen if the gift was just a token gift? Could you perhaps replace an expensive gift with an offer of service that you can perform?
Sales
1. When buying something consider:
- Do you really need this item? If you are unsure then leave it. Come back to it the next day and assess again.
- Just because the tag says “SALE” are you sure it is a genuine reduction? Can you perhaps buy the same item at a different outlet at the same price all year round?
2. Plan ahead:
- Sales is a good time for bargains. Can you buy your annual supply of birthday gifts and even gifts for next Christmas now?
- If you can stock up on non-perishable items that you know you will definitely need in the coming months, then this may be a good time to buy.
Well that’s all for me in 2011. I have had a fantastic year and enjoyed being in touch with you. I wish you a wonderful holiday season. May 2012 make all your dreams come true.