Christmas: Just Say "No!"

The holidays can be a crazy time for anyone. Instead of enjoying the decorations, carols and twinkling lights, we often find ourselves running through our gift-giving lists and pushing our way through the malls trying to find that “perfect” gift. In my family, it’s also a time of lots of family birthdays and Christmas parties. We all want to spend time with friends and family and share in the amazing holiday cheer. So how do you manage it all without going crazy?

You have to come to terms with the idea that you’re going to have to say no sometimes. As much as you may want to do it all, for your own sanity—as well as your family’s—you’re just going to have to decline a few things and maybe put those people/events at the top of your list for next year. As someone wisely said, “Sometimes saying ‘no’ to others is saying ‘yes’ to yourself.” You can explain that it’s not that you don’t want to go, you just aren’t able to make it this year.

Plan out what events you have coming up during the holidays and prioritize those things that are most important and you don’t want to miss out. If you have three holiday parties in one night, make a “guest appearance” at one of them and then make choose a final destination for the rest of the night.

If you have kids, take special consideration of their needs. Don’t stay out late with the family just because you’re having a good time—get the kids to bed. You’ll be happier in the end, and they will be too. Too much time in the car driving all around town can be a bit wearing on the little ones, as well. Be aware of their limits, and yours, and pick which events your kids will enjoy the most.

If you’re budgeting your money this year—as many of us are—get back to the basics during the holidays. It REALLY is the thought that counts. Give more hand-made gifts or make a strict budget for all the gifts you plan on giving and stick to it! If it means saying “no” to an outing that requires a bit more spending you’ll be better off in the end. You don’t want to have to drastically ration yourself during January just to make up for your “generosity” during December. Your friends will appreciate the gesture of a “little something” and understand that we are living in a difficult time right now.

In the end, you want to enjoy every moment—big and small—that this holiday season brings. Saying “no” will get easier with time and it will truly save your sanity. Preparing wisely for this holiday season will set you up to look forward to next year’s festivities and instead writing to Santa to squeeze in 12 more days of Christmas!