If you’re really organized, then perhaps you’ve already ordered Christmas cards, made cookie dough and stored it in the freezer, planned your big meals and secured a babysitter for special outings. Maybe your gift shopping is done, too. Well, good for you! For those of us that aren’t quite there—or not even close—don’t despair! These tips will help you navigate your to-do list and enjoy the spirit of the season.
现实检查
家庭杂志Facebook粉丝Rebecca Anne Hernandez 建议：“列出您想要完成的最重要的事情，并对您的家人最重要。随着时间的流逝也要现实。”
She’s right! Keep your “to do” list manageable by prioritizing and removing items. It may mean making some tough choices (What? No ornament exchange this year?), but you’ll be glad you freed up extra time to spend with your loved ones. Remember: everything doesn’t have to be perfect!
圣诞贺卡
If you are ordering photo or personalized cards, ask if the company will provide envelopes in advance so you can address and stamp them while you await their arrival. Better yet, utilize an online service like www.PaperCulture.com 这样就可以只用邮票的成本就地址，盖章和邮寄卡！ 需要休息一下吗？考虑改为发送新年贺卡！
争取帮助
Do not do everything yourself. Implement “Operation 假日总部” and delegate chores to family members. Depending on their ages, your kids can help decorate, cook, wash dishes, stamp/address envelopes, wrap presents and more.
救命Others
Feeling stressed about how much you have to do? Adding something to the calendar may not be what you had in mind, but nothing will help put things into perspective more than helping those in need. Consider making community service a family tradition if you haven’t already. Visit our 义工机会 想法页面。
赠品
Think outside the box (literally) by giving a gift of time or service. Sharing an experience with one of my daughters holds more value than any trinket I might give her. We’ve been known to give our kids concert or movie tickets, gift cards to a favorite restaurant (attached to a “Date with Dad/Mom” coupon) or theme park tickets.
Make a video for your older kids. Our daughter was so touched by a rap her dad and I wrote, videoed and posted on Facebook for her 21st birthday, she proudly shared it on all her social media platforms. Trust me, we’re not experts at rapping (or making videos), but all the effort we put into it was priceless to her.
为朋友提供保姆服务，帮助打扫邻居的房子或为新妈妈出门逛街购物。
购物
If purchasing gifts is your best option, be sure to streamline your efforts with a list of what you need and a clear plan of action. Do as much online shopping as possible to avoid crowded parking lots and lines at the register. There are countless “free shipping” offers this time of year. Be sure to check www.freeshippingday.com 适用于数百家公司，这些公司仅在12月14日提供免费送货，并保证在平安夜之前交货。
One thing my husband and I started doing a few years ago is having an annual shopping date. Three to four weeks before Christmas we go out to dinner, then take our pre-written list and shop ’til we drop. It’s way more fun than frantically dividing and conquering the list.
Simplify your “who to shop for” list. If you typically purchase a present for all 17 family members, consider having the adults draw names and the kids draw names so everyone only buys one gift. If that’s too extreme, consider giving gifts to the kids only.
娱乐性
Really want to get together with friends? There’s no reason the burden of a party must rest solely on you. Plan a 渐进式早午餐, lunch or dinner! Each family hosts one course of the meal (e.g., appetizers, salad, entree, dessert) and the entire group travels from house to house enjoying each course. Using your slow cooker will minimize fuss. If you have more families than courses, share responsibilities or assign families to provide drinks at each stop. This can also be done with couples if you prefer to make it a date night. We’ve enjoyed a progressive dinner with friends several times and normally have a gift exchange after eating dessert at our final destination. One year we even traveled together from house to house via motorhome!
圣诞节后的积蓄
听起来很疯狂，但一定要在圣诞节后立即购物，以节省大量的费用购买礼品包装纸，缎带，装饰品和薄纸。您明年的工作将很顺利。
了解如何托管 渐进式早午餐 这里。
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SDFM编辑丽莎·吉普森（Lisa Gipson）热爱圣诞节，并相信Cookie交换是最好的效率。
