Knowing how creative you are, I believe you'll find at least one tip you can use.
1. Break chores into baby steps. You can wrap three gifts or bake one batch of
cookies or address ten cards at a time—there’s no rule that says you must do
everything from start to finish in one sitting. Some tasks—like addressing cards—can
be combined with watching a Christmas movie or chatting on the phone to Aunt
Bernice.
2. Reward yourself when you finish a
less-than-enjoyable task. Drink a cup of eggnog, call a friend, or read a
chapter of a Christmas novel.
3. Ask yourself, “If I had time to
do only ONE thing on my list, what would I do?”
4. Use paper plates, cups, and plastic
ware to save time doing dishes. If you explain to guests, “I’d rather spend
time with you than to wash dishes, they'll feel complimented.
If using Grandma’s china for Christmas dinner is a non-breakable tradition, pay
the kids in the family to help you clean up. If you’re short on cash, reward
them by letting them have first dibs on dessert. If you wait till clean up is
finished before serving dessert, those dishes will get done lickety-split!
5. Listen to Christmas music while doing
housework—it will help it go faster.
6. Never wait till the last
minute—something will always come up to delay your finishing on time. Allow
plenty of leeway for interruptions and glitches.
7. Learn to say “no” without apologizing.
Your time, health, and emotional stability are worth more than pleasing every
elf in the workshop.
Shock the Clock releases December 14, but you can pre-order it NOW, in time for gift-giving to that special writer or creative in your circle, or even a gift to yourself. And if you'd like to attend my Facebook launch party with tons of fun games and prizes, I'd love to have you!
You're worth it!
Good tips, Jen! So you have an Aunt Bernice too? :)
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