Just thinking about holiday cooking and shopping was stressing us out. Luckily, a couple of weeks ago, we asked you for your favorite holiday #SurvivalTips and as usual, you did not disasapoint. We read through them all, and figured out an easy Three-Step Plan to get us through to January 2.
Since you were so forthcoming with your assistance, we decided to pay it back. Enter our giveaway, and a lucky winner will receive $150 to help pay off some holiday bills!
That goes for cooking... "Plan plan plan ahead. I make the desserts ahead of time and put in the freezer. I also do slow cooker mashed potatoes, and make the turkey the day before, slice, and put it in gravy. On turkey day I heat everything up. I can visit and relax with my guests." - apeski
And shopping... "The best advice is that you can never start Christmas shopping too early. If you see items at good prices in September, scoop them up and that is one less present you have to buy." - sweetlee
When friends or family offer to help, say yes... "Don't be afraid to accept their help when they offer. Some of my favorite conversations have taken place while doing dishes with my grandmother and aunts!" - MomOnTheEdge
And if they aren't offering, ask them... "Do not kill yourself trying to make a whole Thanksgiving (or Christmas) meal on your own, even if you are the hostess. Ask others to bring the side dishes and you won't be stuck in the kitchen the whole day." - Neyephe
Give yourself a time out... "Always be sure to take care of yourself; eat healthfully, sleep soundly, and take time to do the things that make you feel best, whether it is reading a book, going for a bike ride, or lounging around watching your favorite TV show!" - stylinstar53
Get outside... "Best holiday survival tip: Take a walk!! Stressful family visit? Take a walk. Fussy, overstimulated kids? Take them for a walk. Ate too much at a holiday meal? Take a walk. First holiday without a loved one? Take a walk. Fresh air + nature + movement = stress zapper!!" - aneube
And when all else fails... "My holiday survival go to is a lot of chocolate and red wine. This chocolate and wine combo saves me from the stresses of the holiday season. It helps alleviate all the chaos from dinner parties, holiday shopping and the in-laws. I don't think I would survive without my wine and chocolate. " - Amanda5683
Luckily, there are so many wonderful things about the holiday season. What is your favorite? Tell us and you'll be entered for the chance to win $150 to help with your holiday bills!
There are two ways to enter:
Simply comment below and tell us what you love about the holidays.
AND/OR
Tweet about the giveaway!
Click here to Tweet: "Learned how to survive the holidays + entered a #HolidayBills giveaway, thx to @SheSpeaksUp! bit.ly/2fp91Pn
*One lucky commenter or Tweeter will be chosen at random to receive $150 through PayPal, or in the form of a Visa or Amazon gift card (winner's choice.) Giveaway is open through December 4th, 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.
What I love best about the holidays is the family togetherness. I love seeing all my kids and all the love and laughter that goes with this time of year!!
Spending time with family and celebrating the true meanings behind them.
At the holidays i love to spend time with my family and bake goodies with my family. Then we all go driving around looking at all the Christmas lights. Every Christmas eve my family spends the night that's the best of it all cause we are all together and wake up and open our presents and then we remember the meaning of Christmas and give thanks and sing Christmas songs.
I love time with family, and the looks on my children's faces on Christmas morning.
What I love about the holidays is the pretty color's and and sounds of Christmas from the music to the sound of the children's laughter. Most of all I like to get together with family and friends that we don't often get to see.
i plan ahead by about a month for each holiday
I love everything about the holidays. And doing almost all my shopping online releives so much stress and gives us so much more time to enjoy activities and spending time together...
Spending time with my family. I also love that people seem to get nicer and more respectful this time of year.
I love the look on peoples' faces when they open that perfect gift, or the look on children's faces when they see that Santa came!
I love the bonding time that takes place with the family. For that day the stress and worries of everyday life seems to disappear and you truly enjoy the day
What I love most about this time of year is all the lights and colors!
I love all the goodies and when family and friends come together.
I could use the money to buy some pajamas for a knee replacement I am having in Jan.
I love having family get togethers and the holidays just seems to make everyone happy and kinder!
What I love about the holidays is that people in general are more caring and considerate this time of year. People are more willing to donate their time and resources in helping people out. People are putting other people first and it's less about themselves. Even the kiddos are full of wonder, excitement, and are better behaved. They're is more love in this season, than Valentine's Day! That's why I love the holidays so much, love and family are at the forefront, where they always should be!