Are You Going To Survive The Holidays?

Admit it! You promised this year was not going to be like the last few...and here you are, it is December and guess what? You did it again! The TO DO list is growing by the day right along side the gift list. If the holidays are stressful and you start to wish they didn't come each year then you are doing something wrong and you need to regroup. Not to worry...we are here to help!

1. If you don't have a TO DO list and are just swirling around, STOP...and make a list.2. Categorize your list...you know...organize it by types of tasks.3. If at this point you are already overwhelmed, do not proceed to step 4. Call ON THE GO 4 U (or a local concierge in your area) right now.4. Assign time limits to the tasks. Similar tasks (that's why we categorized) can probably be knocked off at one time.5. Make a schedule. You know your daily routines. Now add the TO DO list tasks to the routine.6. If at this point you see no way to schedule another thing in your day: a) refer to our November article "Don't be a Statistic", b) Call ON THE GO 4 U (or a local concierge in your area) right now and c) do not proceed to Step 7 because help is on the way.7. OK, now you have the list and the schedule. Stick to it! The easiest way for things to fall apart is for you to get sidetracked.

Things for your TO DO list that you may have forgotten:

• Holiday Cards
• Stamps (purchase now if you want themed ones)
• All mailing should be done no later than Dec 18 to avoid the rush and additional shipping costs.
• Holiday Open House or Party. Consider having an after the holidays party...people need a break and some fun in Jan/Feb.
• Invitations should be sent 3 weeks in advance...which means you should have done it by now!
• Office/School Gifts
• Wrapping Supplies (Paper, Ribbon, Tape, Labels)
• Decorations

Decorating Timesavers for the HolidaysContributions by Chef Stacey of Season the Day, LLC

• Decorate only the common areas that will be frequented by friends and family.
• We shouldn't have to say this, but here goes. If the Christmas tree is against a wall, do not decorate the part that is not seen by visitors.
• Add a holiday bow to a plain evergreen wreath. You can get very nice pre-made bows at any store that sells holiday decorations. Place it on front door and put poinsettias in the foyer.
• Add holiday trim to everyday decorations that are already in place.
• For an elegant but easy-to-do centerpiece, fill a crystal/glass bowl with water, add fresh cranberries, holly and floating candles.
• Stage holiday scented candles throughout the house. They will make the house warm and cozy.
• For outside decorations, take plain white lights and extend them around the railings. Buy a roll of festive ribbon and matching bows. Use the ribbon to secure the lights to the railing by wrapping it around. Attach the bows to the end of the railings.

The Rules for Gift Buying:It is the middle of the month and we are all on a serious countdown to the big day. If you are still out shopping, here are a few simple rules to avoid making a serious faux pas with your significant other.

For Her:1. Do not buy her something practical unless she has specifically asked for it. However, if she did, make sure you know exactly what she wants. A blender is not a blender is not a blender.2. Clothing: You can go sooo wrong with this. Be careful. Know her size and know her style.3. Gift Certificates: While this is an easy fix to a big problem, it can scream I don't know what else to buy you. Do not buy a gift certificate to the mall or department store. Use the same philosophy with gift certificates as with gifts. Know the person's style. If she loves DIY, then try a gift certificate for lessons (pottery class, art lessons, even DIY home improvement if she is in to that). If she needs to relax and unwind, gift certificates to a spa are a great idea. Now, you have the gift certificate and you put a lot of thought into so don't blow it on the packaging. A plain white or store envelope is not the way to go. Package it with a product from the store (i.e. aromatherapy if doing the spa idea) or her favorite wine, chocolates, etc.4. And here is the big one: Buy what she likes not what you like!

For Him:1. Practical works for men but only if it is something he wants, not something you think he should have to do a chore on the "to do" list.2. Clothing: Same rule applies for men as for women. Know his size and his style. Now some of you are reading this and saying but I don't like what he wears. This is not the time to reform him. If you don't like what he wears then don't buy him clothing for the holidays OR buy him a gift certificate for a personal shopper that he can use in any manner he wants.3. Gift Certificates: For men, you need to be specific. Many women don't mind shopping but most men do. Gift certificates to internet vendors that he frequents are good. Mall gift certificates are not. And again, follow the simple rules for packaging the gift certificate. Don't use the plain white or store envelope.4. And now the big one: Sports/Hobby equipment or Electronics. If you are going to buy your guy something to accentuate his hobbies or activities then make sure that is what it actually does. If he is a sports enthusiast then he most likely has brands or styles of equipment that he prefers. Talk to his sports buddies or check out sports experts online before buying him something he doesn't want or need. Use the same philosophy when buying electronics. Research what is best for his needs and buy the best you can afford in your price range. If you know he wants a specific product and it is out of your budget, do not buy second best. Choose another idea.

For the one who has it all:The BusyB Herself will tell you that you have to work pretty hard to find her someone who truly has it all and for whom she can't find a creative gift. However, if you have someone who does not need nor want, try something different. There are a multitude of charitable organizations out there who did want and need. Think about his/her passions. For example: if he/she is really into animals then make a donation to the local shelter on his/her behalf and then package it with the donation letter as well as something from the organization or a magazine/book on the subject.

Remember, put on the tunes, stay relaxed and enjoy what is supposed to be a joyous season, not a chore. Now that you have these holiday tips, we hope that your holiday is safe and sane.

Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company's creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE Go 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.netON THE GO 4 U will be conducting a live online chat on December 15 to help people get through the holidays. See website for details.© 2004 Indra A Books, ON THE GO 4 U.