3 Critical Keys To A Smooth Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner, and chances are that you're not ready. Okay, so maybe you're the 1% who's got everything bought and wrapped.

But, the rest of us still have plenty to do, and I want to give you 3 things to do that will help you enjoy the holiday season a little more.

1. Make a Plan - The first thing you need to do, if you haven't already, is to have a plan. You should have a list of people you need to buy for. Check off items as you purchase them, and make sure to keep track of receipts. Be careful to stay within your budget for gifts. There's no joy in the holiday if you overspend.

Once you've bought all the gifts, go ahead and wrap them. Don't wait till Christmas Eve.!!! Ask me how I know. I made that mistake several years ago, and it was not good.

Think about what you'll be serving for the holidays. Plan you menu, and make a grocery list. If you're having a large group, ask others to bring a dish. If you will be a guest, find out what you can bring.

Are you traveling for the holidays? Be sure to confirm your reservations if you're flying or staying in a hotel. Get your car serviced, and think of things you'll need for the trip. Pack early, and prepare healthy snacks for the road.

2. Remember to take care of yourself. Self-care is often the first thing to go when you get busy. However, this will possibly make the biggest difference in how well you enjoy the holidays.

Be sure to plan nourishing meals that will keep your body healthy. During the winter you're more likely to be exposed to colds and the flu, so you need a strong immune system. Soups and casseroles are great this time of year.

Keep satisfying snacks like nuts, chopped fruit, and vegetables on hand (at home and in the car) for when you get hungry. They can make the difference between grabbing fast food because you're starving or waiting until you get home.

Make time to be active. Even in cold weather you can still get out and walk. Exercise at home doing a floor workout while you watch holiday movies. Just keep moving!!!

Get plenty of sleep. It's tempting to think you'll make it up later, but that never happens. Set a bedtime, and stick to it as closely as possible.

3. Work in batches. Do like-things together. In other words, do your cleaning one day, your cooking one day, and your shopping another day. It takes more brain power and energy to do a variety of different things.

You'll be more productive doing all of your holiday cooking on one day, since you'll be using a lot of the same utensils and food ingredients. While your oven is already on, you can do all the baking and cooking. You can also do all the chopping for several meals.

Pick a morning, and do all your house cleaning chores. It doesn't take much longer to clean two bathrooms than one. Keep all your cleaning supplies together, and you'll be amazed how quickly you can get through those tedious jobs.

We've been pressured into overspending, overeating, and overindulging by an industry who profits from our decisions. It's turned into the most stressful and chaotic time of the year.

Let's take back the holiday, and make it a time of joy, sharing love, and celebrating the birth of the Christ child. What can you do differently this year to spread cheer and feel good about it for years to come?

Merry Christmas, and God bless you and your family.

To your health and wellness,

Coach Maggie