1. BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES, INC. Holiday Survival Guide

2. Objectives Recipe for a Successful Holiday Season Expectations Traditions The Art of Gift Giving Schedule/Calendar Healthy tips Eating and sleep Decorating

3. Recipe: For a Successful Holiday Season  Start early  Budget  Hold a family meeting  Be willing to make changes  Examine your inner self

4. Realistic Unrealistic What can you afford? What can you eat? What can you drink? Topics to be avoided at holiday gatherings Comparing yourselves to “Jones” or media hype Trying to solve long standing family conflicts That there is a “perfect” table-setting, gift or decoration Expectations

5. Traditions Remember what your meaning of the holiday is Keep traditions that work Be open to new ones Get ideas from friends and colleagues – find out what they do Include charity work and giving back

6. The Art of Gift Giving Plan and start early Set realistic limits and talk with family members Exchange “gift idea” lists Have a conversation about gift giving Give non-gift items  Gift Certificates for Services  Practical items Be prepared for resistance Pre-buy gifts during the year and keep for the holidays.

7. Schedule/Calendar Beginning the week before Thanksgiving until the week after New Year’s Day – create a calendar Right down every activity that is planned for all family members Make sure there is a mix of family (both sides) and friends Allow for multi-family situations Adult only and child included activities Day and Night Plan something to avoid the post holiday blues…

8. Healthy Tips Watch what you eat Weigh yourself daily or weekly Exercise more or at least the same Watch alcohol consumption Plan your sleep

9. Decorating Don’t go crazy Keep it simple Talk to the family and involve everyone Sentimental can be important It is okay to let it go Change it up once in a while Watch your budget

10. BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES, INC. Holiday Survival Guide