If you typically find yourself frazzled and overextended during the holidays, here are some simple time management strategies to help you avoid stress & recapture the joy of the holidays this year!

1. Make a List
   Divide a page into three column, with the headers “have to do”, “want to do” and “can wait until next year.”  List out your “to-dos” under the appropriate columns and put your “next year” items on hold until after the busy season subsides.
   
   
2. Be Selective
   Take time to evaluate your list.  If your “have to do” column outweighs your “want to do” column, try making your list more manageable by eliminating the non-essential activities or finding faster means for achieving the same end.
   
   
3. Start Early
   Spread the mood of the season over several weeks or months, instead of packing it into a week.  For example, if you usually host Christmas dinner for your family, get your menu set early and figure out which dishes can be made in the days or week before the day of the feast.
   
   
4. Enlist Some Help
   You don’t have to do everything yourself.  Every successful manager knows the importance of delegating in order to accomplish goals.  Take the same approach during the holidays by enlisting family members in cleaning, decorating and baking tasks, or consider hiring some help.
   
   
5. Get Online, Not In Line
   Beat the crowds at the mall by purchasing some “of all” of your gifts online.  The advantages?  No lines, no store hours and many online retailers offer free shipping during the holidays.
   
   
6. What’s the Rush?
   Review your list if you feel your stress level rising.  Identify tasks that can be groups and accomplished together – such as shopping for gifts and running errands – in order to make the most of your time.
   
   
7. Schedule Time for Fun
   Take the time to do the things you really enjoy this season, whether it’s having a game night with your family, meeting a friend for lunch or simply taking a long, relaxing bath.  The best way to make time for yourself?  Schedule it into your calendar as if it were a regular appointment.
   
   
8. Plan Ahead
   By using the strategies listed above, you should have some energy reserves remaining after the holidays to take advantage of post-season sales.  Get a head start on next year by accomplishing some of your “to-dos” 364 days early!!