Holidays can be all about food, family, friends, and hopefully, fun. But let's face it. holiday season can also be stressful...
When will I have time to bake? Will the crazy in-laws get along? How do I not gain 10 pounds in the next month? What will the kids do with all those days off of school? So much to think about!
Which is why we are asking for your best Holiday Survival Tips. Your advice can be about family, entertaining, food, health, or whatever helps you get through the holiday season. Both big or small ideas, we want to hear them all! Tell us in the comments section below - we will randomly select three winners who will each get a $25 Amazon gift card!
In addition, our favorite tips will be featured in a future SheSpeaks newsletter. As a thank you, we'll give a $25 Amazon gift card to the commenters we feature!
Let others know you entered! Click here to Tweet: "I told @SheSpeaksUp my #HolidaySurvival tips & entered to win a gift card. You can too! bit.ly/2e0XCYT"
*Three lucky commenters will be chosen at random to receive a $25 Amazon gift card. Giveaway is open through October 30, 2016 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email. We will also notify those who submit comments that will be included in a future newsletter by email. Stories may be slightly edited for publication.
Update: Thanks to all for entering! Congratulations to our winners: SheSpeaks members Nikki61080, tlm2453, desio1230.
My number one holiday survival tip is to JUST SAY NO. I do not commit myself to things that I really don't want to do. But I definitely make time for the things I enjoy - like baking, driving around looking at the holiday lights, etc.
Make a plan (regarding things to do, meal preparation, shopping, etc.), but remember that life is also about spontaneity and being in the moment. So don't get depressed or have an anxiety spell, relax with music, laughter and get exercise and rest.
My holiday survival tip....breathe! I try really hard not to stress around the holidays. I try to keep thoughts to the positive, and remember to just stop and breathe every once in a while.
My Holiday survival is be organized and prepare before hand. Leave nothing to last minute. Then you can relax and enjoy your family.
Because it is only me and my husband, my holidays are stress free. I cook and bake for us and we enjoy the meals and the time off from work together. Our parents live in the north and choose to not spend holidays with us which is sad for us, but it's their choice. We love our relaxing time together with no stress.
I always do make ahead - pecan pies and freeze, anything to make Thanksgiving day less stressful
Do your own thing and don't let family bullying you into doing something you don't really want to do!
Keep it simple. This is not the time to try a new recipe or something seen on Pinterest.
When visiting family for the holidays, we like to stay in a nearby hotel or apartment rental. That gives both families much needed breathing space!
Two tips that go hand in hand: (1) Plan and prep as much as you can before the day of. (2) Accept that things will not all go as planned...and be ready to move on and enjoy the day anyway!
My tip is to go back to basics. Less time on stress and gifts and etc. Do what makes you happy!
everyone has to bring a dish
My holiday survival tip is really to not stress! Take time for yourself so you can have some zen free time. Also planning ahead is always good. Make lists if you have to and things go much smoother. Get kids to help with baking so you can have some nice quality time with your family, while getting some things done ahead of time.
allow help! if someone wants to make a dish, let them. I never wanted people to help cook but its a huge help.
I try to get my Christmas shopping done in advance to avoid the last minute rush. I also do the bulk of it online because I really dislike the holiday crowds.