This time of year brings great joy as we reconnect with
friends and family. Sometimes we do too much and
the stress can affect our enjoyment.
To help make your holiday season more enjoyable,
we're sharing a few of our favorite ideas! Ideas about
taking care of yourself first, focusing on fewer activities
that everyone will enjoy more and tips for saving time
when decorating your home. While our consumer
driven economy teaches us that more (product) is
better, we believe that making time for what's
important will be much more satisfying, i.e. what
memories would you like to make.
Wishing you wonderful HOLIDAY memories.
...From the team at My Handyman of Southern NH
Start with Yourself
Parents and other caretakers put the needs of others
before their own. This might not be wise - recall that
on an airplane, you're told to put your oxygen mask on
before helping those next to you. If you're tired or
unhappy, it will be difficult for you to create that festive
mood you want for the holidays. Thus, some tips for
taking care of yourself:
QuietTime:
Set aside just 30 minutes a day for yourself. Take a
nap, read a book, relax, ...
Eat Healthy:
Simple foods, fruits and vegetables will give you more
energy than fats or sugar.
Sleep and Exercise:
You're working harder, so give yourself a little more
time to rejuvenate.
Pamper Yourself:
Treat yourself to a massage, a manicure or lunch with
a friend. Last night a close friend and I made wreaths
(3rd year) at an Urban Forestry Center class.
Create Family Memories
Too often parents focus on children's presents. Think
back to your own childhood holidays - what do you
remember? There might be 1 or 2 gifts that stand out
but more likely you'll remember baking cookies with
Mom or decorating the yard with Dad. Family time
should include traditions that create memories:
Baking Holiday Treats:
Buy some great pre-made cookie dough or a
gingerbread house kit to decorate, ... and
give your children (and yourself) that special time
together.
Community Service:
Visit a nursing home (less than half the residents
have visitors) or adopt a family are just a few ways to show your
children how to make someone's life
better.
Read Together:
Snuggle up for a classic or a new holiday book, The Christmas Shoes.
Take Pictures/Video:
Capture the memories to share and enjoy, year after
year.
Decorating Tips to Save Time
Decorating should be fun. If it becomes a chore, you're
doing too much so here are some ideas for saving
time. This year I decided there was only time to
decorate the main living areas. I also opted for an
artificial tree to save decorating and cleanup time.
With a few sprigs of
fresh greens and wreaths, I've forgotten it's not real.
Artificial Trees:
They're quite attactive, easy to put up and by adding in
sprigs of fresh cut greens, they smell great too.
Hidden Treasures:
Fill flower vases, bowls and baskets (things you have)
with colorful ornaments, pinecones and holiday
cards.
Family Memory Book:
Capture the hilights of everyone's lives including art
work, special letters, headlines, photos. For
more ideas, see
Family First.
Family Memorabilia:
Decorate with forgotten family items - sports (skates,
skis, hockey sticks), hang stockings on
doors and hang old family photos on holiday
ribbon.
The Gift of Time
If you're still searching for a gift for that "busy" person,
My Handyman gift certificates are a great idea. We
offer half day and full day certificates to complete your
to do list, giving that person peace of mind.
We have "project packages" for remodeling a
bathroom, kitchen or special room. These certificates
come packaged with a book to help you finalize your
ideas.
Wishing you, your family and friends ... a wonderful holiday season!
This time of year brings great joy as we reconnect with
friends and family. Sometimes we do too much and
the stress can affect our enjoyment.
Decorating should be fun. If it becomes a chore, you're
doing too much so here are some ideas for saving
time. This year I decided there was only time to
decorate the main living areas. I also opted for an
artificial tree to save decorating and cleanup time.
With a few sprigs of
fresh greens and wreaths, I've forgotten it's not real.
