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.
I love having all of my family in one place at one time, having a good time and making memories!
We love all the decorations....all of them, even the ones on ugly sweaters!
What I love most about the holidays is the general good temperament everyone is in.
I'm just looking forward to some much needed family time. We are going with the 3 gift rule and quality time together!!
Decorating the house, making special food, and hanging out with the family.
I love getting together with family and friends. Always a good time, and a great stress reliever!
The thing I enjoy about the holidays is time with my son who is a graduate student and doesn't get to come home much. Hubby and I focus on spending time with him and making memories.
Just the feeling of the season! The magical feeling. Wish we had it all year.
I love being able to slow down and think about what's truly important. It's great to spend time with friends and family.
I love seeing all the decorations and spending time with the kids!
Spending time with family & friends. Seeing those we don't get to see very often.
My favorite thing about the holidays are the decorations! I love displaying all of my bright, fun, and colorful decorations inside and outside our home. I also LOVE decorating and setting out holiday tables/buffet area and I especially love decorating and wrapping gifts.
I love seeing all my family but the money aspect.... Ugh
I love the decorations, the food, the cookies, the shopping, but most of all teaching my kids that all of this fun stuff is in celebration of the birth of Christ.
Being with my family is what I love about the holidays!!