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 about the holidays is spending time with my family connie danielson
These tips are great! They will surely help with the holiday stress beyond my usual ignore the fight starters, the naggers, and the nastiness that is so often just under the surface of so many holiday gatherings. Thank you!
Being with family!
I love good holiday food!
well i like the lights the cheer in the air the kindness of people it shows me how people really are around the holidays i love love love love it i mean its the best time of year
I love the holiday baking and time spent with family.
I love making cookies with the kids, even though they are in college. Brings us all back to when they were little and believed in Santa.
I love the Food. My family is very close so the food is what i look forward to.
I love cooking for my family on Thanksgiving and again on Christmas Eve.
I love everything about the holidays but the stress of preparing. I love the time spent with family, I love driving to see the beautifully decorated houses, I love the food and desert and sharing memories of the past. I love listening to holiday music by the fire with a glass of wine and baking. I love the holiday yearly movies.
I love having the whole family together. It's not just a quick get together; we spend hours making memories.
Making memories with my children!
Being with family
Wine and chocolate! I am just saying :)
I don't see my family often so I absolutely love how the holidays bring us all together! Especially watching the kids play with their cousins. I am very blessed!