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.
For me, the holidays are all about family!! I am a grandma now, and it is the most amazing thing in the world!!
I lost my mother 2 wks before Christmas in 1990. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her. Christmas is a time of rememberance.
I love seeing my daughter's face Christmas morning when sees the gifts under the tree. Best feeling in the world.
All the Magic and the love.
I love seeing my kid's faces light up on Christmas morning with what to see what Santa brought them. It's truly heart warming!!
I love spending time with my family!
I love the holidays so much! I love the Christmas Eve Service, spending time with family, and baking treats the most!
I love the gift of giving! Although Christmas shopping can be stressful, and even a bit expensive, I love spreading holiday cheer!
I love everything about the holidays! The music, the family time, the Christmas decorations, the look on my sons face when he sees christmas lights! It's my favorite time of year!
I love watching my son open presents. He hands the torn up wrapping paper to the dog. Then the dog rips it up even more and sighs really loud when he realizes its not food.
Live for the hoidays its the only time i get to see all seven kids together...we laugh and play with the younger ones...I just love it
My holiday survival tip is have a plan and a back up plan since something always goes wrong. And a hot bath if it gets too overwhelming. Remember to take a moment to yourself.
I love spending time with family, celebrating each other, and seeing the kids' faces light up with cheer from ear to ear! That is my absolute favorite part of the Holidays!
Holidays for me is a time to slow down and enjoy time with family, creating memories with the kids and grandkids that they will cherish for years to come.
Spending the night at my parents house with my sisters and their families so that we can wake up in morning together and see the magic of Christmas come alive through my nephews eyes