Enjoy Stress Free Holidays

My kids started asking if they could work on their Christmas lists today...a sure sign it will soon be that most magical time of the year. On the top of my wish list...a completely stress free holiday. Is it possible? I know it is. IF (a big if) I'm truly organized.

Parties, crafts, decorating, cooking, shopping, and a partridge in a pear tree. (and a day job.) The goal is to finish everything possible before Thanksgiving and then really enjoy all the fun.

Want to join along and enjoy a stress free holiday season?

For the first weekend in October, these are the goals:

1) If you are entertaining/hosting, plan the menus, including recipes and shopping lists

2) Purchase holiday outfits for the kids (yes, they are in stores now!!) Of, if you're too busy to get out - get online - find barely-used options on eBay or buy from your favorite stores online

Good luck and best wishes for a stress free holiday! Share your tips and thoughts below. (and tweet at #stressfreeholiday.)

Stress Free Holiday Tip of the Week

OK, stress free holiday pledges: This is where it all begins. If you start now and work on the tips each week, you'll have a calmer, more organized holiday season with more time for fun. This week:

CARDS: Purchase or plan your holiday cards. Create great online cards from photos from the year at www.tinyprints.com or shutterfly.com. Or, if you take a holiday photo - take it or schedule it (now - really!)

LOOKING PRETTY: Do you/kids need holiday outfits? Peruse your favorite stores online and order. Most offer free shipping. There are some great sales this week. For you - through Nov. 22, Ann Taylor Loft is running it's Friends & Family sale, 30% off everything. Use coupon code FRIENDS at checkout. Old Navy is offering 25% off orders of $100 or more through 11/23. Enter code ONSAVE15 at check out. Do you know of other great sales for holiday outfits in progress? Reply to this post and share them!

Happy holidays everyone!

Decking the Halls

As I'm sure everyone can see, malls and main streets are already decked out for the holidays - signaling the start of the season. PlayingSmarter is sponsoring the "StressFree Holiday Pledge" - take the pledge (that you'll have a less stressful, more fun season by being more organized).

Each week, we'll notify you when we post our "Stress Free Holiday Tip of the Week." If you prepare for the holidays along with all the other pledge takers, we promise - a more joyful, less hectic holiday. Sign up now: http://tinyurl.com/ygk36qc.