Holiday happiness can quickly turn into seemingly insurmountable stress with lack of time, and the increased family pressures. With balancing skills put to the test, it’s easy to understand why mothers between the ages of 35 and 54 are the most “stressed” during the holiday season. Transform stress into sanity with these ten tried-and true tips.

1. Schedule mini-breaks: While you can have it all, you can’t have it all at the same time! Schedule 10-20 minute breaks during these hectic days.

2. A positive perspective: The easiest way to lift up our selves is to lift up someone else. Visit www.volunteer.org for ideas on how you can help others. Volunteer opportunities come in all shapes and sizes and can fit any time and/or budget.

3. Delegate: Take off the super-mom cape and delegate responsibilities to other family members.

4. Party with a Purpose: Say goodbye to marathon baking and usher in a party with a purpose. Host an afternoon get together, inviting friends and family to bake their favorite recipe in bulk. Each quest will leave with a sampling of each recipe. Purchase cute gift boxes or have your children stamp or color small paper bags and use assorted treats as gifts for teachers, neighbors, etc.

5. The greatest thing since sliced bread: The “gift card” is a wonderful solution for those who “have everything.” Consider a gas, bookstore, music, electronics, coffee, grocery, or department store, gift card.

6. Write it down: While you may have the memory of Einstein or an elephant, this is not the season to test it. Create a Holiday Notebook for recording all your notes, thoughts, ideas, contacts, gift lists, and dates.

7. What goes in… must come out: Avoid dramatic changes in eating and drinking habits as delectable holiday goodies circulate. Food and mood go hand-in-hand.

8. Balance your budget: Be creative with your financing and plan in advance for gift-giving and large menu purchases. Sticking to your budget will not only decrease holiday stress, but post-holiday- shopping-stress as well.

9. Marathon shopping: Early in the holiday season, take a day off mid-week and do a marathon shopping expedition before the malls (and their parking lots) are packed.

10. Browse and buy: Shopping online offers the convenience of automatic shipping and 24/7 hour access. Shop early to save on last-minute handling costs.

Visit http://www.rushhourcook.com/holiday.htm for a full holiday meal plan with shopping list and www.changeyourlifechallenge.com for a free weekly newsletter with sanity-saving solutions.

The Change Your Life Challenge http://www.changeyourlifechallenge.com Take control of your home, finances, relationships, clutter, time-managmenet and more with this 70 Day Program. Sign up for the free Challenge Weekly Newsletter and the motivational daily Good Morning.

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