How To Survive the Holidays in 3 Easy Steps. Plus, a Giveaway to Help Pay Your #HolidayBills!

    by   SheSpeaksTeam   

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Nov 16, 2016

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!

Step 1: Plan early

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

Step 2: Don't Go It Alone

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

Step 3: Treat Yourself Right

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.

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by Hageorge84 | Shelbyville , MI
Dec 04, 2016

Well after not being wanted by my biological parents and being adopted I would say my kids and God is what I love most about the holidays.

by Jmckee4 | El paso, TX
Dec 04, 2016

Were in the military and my hubby is deployed so it's hard to visit family during the holidays. My daughters and I have our own special traditions. I love seeing the smiles on their face even when the days are hard.

by Papermache | COON RAPIDS, MN
Dec 04, 2016

I love the joy and excitement surrounding the holidays and sitting around the table with my family to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.

by Kristiehardy1 | TULLAHOMA, TN
Dec 04, 2016

18 months ago I would have answered that I absolutely loved watching my hubby making side dishes with the kids and then him watching as the kids eyes lit up as they opened gifts and put their bows on him as he laughed and would tackle them into the pile of wrapping paper! Now, what I enjoy most is just being their mommy and feeling pride even if heart breaks as I see their strength as they honor him by putting bows on the chair that we sit out to honor him each Occasion To show that he's always with us since he passed away. Our girls are 9 & 6 and amaze me with their strength! They even got our 2 year old son to start the tradition recently! I just enjoy knowing they are doing well. So we cook, bake, tell stories/memories, laugh and cry together including him in our day and give our 2 year old the gift of learning about his daddy!

by Tiffyjo09 | Muskogee, OK
Dec 04, 2016

Spending time with my loved ones!

by angel_bunnies69 | Anniston, AL
Dec 04, 2016

I love the joy, happiness, and kindness people tend to share during the holidays. Even perfect strangers rally together like old friends

by Carebare128 | Biloxi, MS
Dec 04, 2016

I could use the help this holiday season.

by brandylp7 | Bonham, TX
Dec 04, 2016

I love Christmas! It's my favorite time of year! The lights, hot chocolate, and most importantly family!

by bingo9760 | Arkport, NY
Dec 04, 2016

MY favorite thing of the holiday season is the many decorations and music

by danibug0914 | Vonore, TN
Dec 04, 2016

I love that we focus more on our family and spending time and enjoying each other's company.

by Maryboo77 | Shasta Lake , CA
Dec 04, 2016

I love the spirit of giving to those who need it, the gathering of families, all the festive decor & of course the yummy treats. Thank you & Merry Christmas to all!

by tj8808 | Harrisonburg, VA
Dec 04, 2016

I love being able to spend time with family members that I don't get to see year round.

by ashandrilla | frankfort, NY
Dec 04, 2016

My favorite thing about the holidays is seeing all my family and how excited my son is on Christmas morning.

by shall0288 | Prestonsburg , KY
Dec 04, 2016

What I love most about the holidays is how magical this time of year feels, and how much time I get to spend with my family.

by Lynsiwoods03 | Chillicothe , OH
Dec 04, 2016

My favorite thing about the Holidays, is the fact that they bring everyone together! We see loved ones who we may not see often otherwise and the season guarantees that those reunions will occur. The joy & laughter from those young and old while gathered together during the holidays is irreplaceable & hands down the BEST PART in my opinion !

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