Category: Positive Thinking


Prioritizing Your Life is a Continual Process

Filed Under: Mental Health, Positive Actions, Positive Lifestyle, Positive Thinking by Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D. — Leave a comment
January 18, 2011

A few days ago it occurred to me that I was violating one of the key themes that I so often espouse to others! 

There I sat at my desk thinking I should work on one of my websites. Maybe, I should work on one of the two book projects I am developing. Then again, there were a bevy of emails I needed to respond to.  While I was at it, I should return several telephone messages. My desk was in its usual state of disarray.  My cup of coffee had long since gone cold. Then it hit me.  Actually, someone hit me!  One of my kids ran up to my desk, gave me a hug, suggested I take him on an errand, and all three of my cherubs were hoping to go out to lunch. I started to groan at the thought of losing an entire afternoon of work when a voice in my head shouted, “Priorities! What happened to your priorities?”

I don’t think I am wrong to assume that many of the people reading this article are like me: a “type-A” workaholic.  Of course, being a workaholic has its benefits: a good income, financial security, never experiencing a dull moment, etc.  Then there is the bad news: focusing exclusively on your job (or any other part of your life) leads to tunnel vision.

If you read my article: The Personal Pinnacle of Success”  (http://uncommoncourtesy.com/personal1.htm) you will remember that it is important to balance your priorities between five key areas of life: work, family, community, conduct of life, and personal satisfaction.  Additionally, you need to establish priorities and goals within each of these areas.  Developing tunnel vision in any area limits the amount of time that you have to spend in the other four areas.  It also prevents an abundance of other things.  It prevents you from participating in a wide range of activities that contribute to a satisfying life.  It also prevents you from experiencing the sense of peace that comes when you control your life rather than having others control it for you.  Further, it prevents you from engaging in meaningful relationships with those who are important to you. 

Your tunnel vision tends to become even more exaggerated when the various aspects of each area lack prioritization. My own situation was a fine example of what happens when work is not prioritized.  The same principle applies to the other areas as well.  Consider how overwhelmed you would feel if you tried to spend equal amounts of time volunteering at your local hospital, coaching your child’s little league team, organizing a school fund-raiser, working full time, as well as meeting the other responsibilities that you have to your work, family, and yourself! Most people who spread themselves too thin in community-related activities either drop out of the activities or feel guilty for not doing enough with each of them. Another example would be telling your spouse, “Honey, I’m here for you 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).”  That simply is not possible!  You need approximately 10 hours each day to sleep and care for yourself.  During the week, you spend at least 9 hours each day working, commuting, and/or running errands.  If you have children, they need, no they demand, a significant amount of your attention each day. You might even have the audacity to allocate a brief amount of time to yourself each day, so that you can read, exercise, meditate, watch television, or surf the Internet. A much more realistic statement you could make to your spouse is that you want to spend time each day focused exclusively on him or her, and dedicate most of your weekend time to your spouse and children.

As you can imagine, all of these thoughts flashed through my mind as I sat at my desk.  I then realized that it was a great day outside.  Heck, it was Saturday! My children needed my immediate attention much more than anything that I had to work on, and I needed a break. I was out of touch with anything that was not sitting on my desk.  What was the perfect solution? Two of my kids jumped in the car with me, we picked up my youngest child from dance class, and we took care of the errand as then had a nice lunch. I even spent time chatting with my husband after he returned home.  When I returned to my desk, I saw what needed to be completed immediately because I could think clearly. I had the break that I needed to see how to prioritize my workload. On that day work definitely needed to wait until after the “family time” that I needed. 

The point to my story is that merely establishing priorities for your life is not enough. You must also have a clear vision of how you are living your life. Ask yourself if what you are doing at this moment is in sync with the balance that you are seeking to achieve in your life? Is any particular responsibility or relationship demanding so much of your time and energy that you ignore other important aspects of your life? You must constantly monitor your actions within each area as well.  Are you feeling overwhelmed, burned-out, or angry about the amount of time that you focus on one of the key areas?  If the answer is “yes,” then consider it to be a symptom that you need to step back, examine your priorities, and shape your life accordingly.

Copyright © 1998 – 2011 Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D. All rights reserved.

This article (including the copyright notice) may be reprinted with the following the following attachment:

© 1998 – 2011 Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D.  All rights reserved.

Bingo Games, Motivational Material and More at www.UnCommonCourtesy.com! More than 200 holiday, religious, educational, and diversity bingo games and concentration sets available . Bingo games for adults and children to play at home, school, church, corporate meetings, and just about anywhere you can imagine. Games made to order for every occasion. Motivational articles and personal growth exercises too! Join Susan Rempel, Ph.D.’s blog: Seek THE Positive.

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The Personal Pinnacle of Success: Defining Success and Climbing the Mountain on Your Own Terms

Filed Under: Mental Health, Positive Actions, Positive Lifestyle, Positive Thinking by Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D. — 1 Comment
January 14, 2011
How many books have you read that trumpeted the message: becoming tremendously successful is simply a matter of making the commitment to be more successful, becoming more focused on your goals, or renewing a passion for your chosen field of work? The number may be 2, 20, or 200, but undoubtedly you have read them. Unfortunately, those type of books often only convince those people who are already hardworking, diligent, and successful that they could be even more successful if they just became fixated on their work. Paradoxically, people who internalize any of these messages often become disenchanted with their career, feel burned-out, and come to view themselves as inherently unsuccessful. Why? Their definition of “success” is limited, and their obsession with their career causes their lives to become out-of-balance. The good news is that “success” really is yours for the taking. That is, success, as you choose to define it.The first step in defining what your Personal Pinnacle of Success will be is to think about what “success” and being “successful” really mean. Webster’s Online Dictionary (www.m-w.com) defines “success” as a “degree or measure of succeeding,” a “favorable or desired outcome; also: the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence,” or “one who succeeds.” “Successful” is defined as “resulting or terminating in success” or “gaining or having gained success.”
I believe that most people decide whether or not they are successful by focusing on reaching one particular objective rather than assessing if they are leading lives that are rich in a number of areas. Usually, the objective is a substantial amount of wealth or fame. At least, they categorize someone else as “successful” because of that person’s observable power, prestige, fame, or wealth. Yet, when I work with people who others consider to be highly successful, I often find that they do not share that perception. In fact, they perceive themselves to be quite unsuccessful. They think of themselves as failures, even though they have met or exceeded their own goals, because the amount of wealth or fame that they obtained was their singular measure for determining if they were indeed successful. The lesson to be learned is that fame and fortune are only one component of how success should be determined.

Before sliding down that slippery slope of unsatisfactory self-worth, I encourage you to adopt a new and powerful plan for successful living: the “Personal Pinnacle of Success.” This model expands the definition of success. Rather than measuring success in terms of a desired result in one area of your life (e.g., becoming president of a corporation), the concept of success is expanded to include the notion of “successful living.” What does “successful living” mean? Rather than focusing the majority of your time and effort in one area of your life, your energy is distributed between five key areas. This multifaceted approach significantly impacts how you organize your life, set your priorities, and ultimately define your goals. Each area is important in and unto itself. However, if any of these areas begins to monopolize your time, it can have a toxic effect on your effort to live successfully.

The five key areas of the Personal Pinnacle of Success model are outlined below:

Family: This area includes your spouse (or significant other), children, and extended family.

Career: The scope of this area includes not only your chosen vocational field or profession, but also your educational background, relationships with your colleagues and clients, affiliation with professional organizations, and any other relationships that you have associated with your career.

Community: This area encompasses your friends, acquaintances, religious affiliation, neighborhood organizations, and any community group in which you actively participate.

Conduct of Life: This area includes your moral, value, and belief systems that cause you to conduct your life in a certain manner. It also includes the important aspect of extending courtesies to people you interact with, professionally and socially.

Personal Satisfaction: Happiness, inner peace, spirituality, a feeling of wellness, maintaining a positive outlook toward life, the ability for introspection, and other factors all are components of the area of personal satisfaction.
In order to understand the significance of each these five key areas in your life, draw an analogy to the elements and preparation that are necessary for a successful mountain climbing expedition. Behind every good expedition is a support group of sponsors and facilitators. Your nuclear and extended family serves as the support group in your own life. In order to endure the physical stress of climbing a mountain, you must have a certain level of training. In life, your value and belief systems assist you in carrying on in spite of the stress placed on your character as you move toward greater heights of success. In order to for your to scale a mountain and reach its summit, you must have premium equipment and superlative technique. In conquering your Personal Pinnacle of Success, your education, career experience, and aspirations for future success will enable you to reach the summit on which you have chosen to focus. Any arduous expedition requires a partner or team that you can depend on when your equipment fails or a boulder obstructs your path. A life journey also requires a connection with supportive friends and community members. As you achieve increasing greater levels of personal satisfaction in the course of your own life, compare that to reaching plateaus and ultimately the summit of your Personal Pinnacle of Success. This design for living successfully assures you that your life will be rich in a wide variety of areas rather than having depth in only one and shallowness or emptiness in others. This model also allows you to define on your own terms what it means to be successful.

If you suffer from “chronic career over-focus,” you may be concerned that bringing the five key areas of your life into balance may be detrimental of your career. My response is simple: don’t be. Living successfully allows you to enjoy many aspects of your life. That enjoyment will likely have several unintended, but positive, consequences. For example, the plan that you create to balance the areas of your life may lead you to invest more time and energy in your own community. Think of all the potential business related networking contacts that you may make while donating time at your child’s school or to a community service project. Bringing your life into greater balance will energize you, expand your opportunities for success in all five areas, and lead to many exceptionally interesting and beneficial unintended consequences!

How can you use this model to assure that you will be successful and live successfully? This question can be answered by preparing for and embarking on an expedition to your Personal Pinnacle of Success. During the initial planning and mapping phase of your expedition, you will set a series of goals or benchmarks to be achieved in each of the five key areas I have discussed. The goals that you set in each area should be related to either improving how you function in that area or the level of connectedness that you have with the area’s other group members. You should expect to make periodic adjustments to your plan throughout your journey to your Personal Pinnacle of Success. Just as a planned course must be altered due to a rock slide or weather change, so too may you alter your objectives within each area as you meet a goal or find that a life change necessitates an adjustment in your plan.

Another required element of insuring your future success is designating the balance that you want to achieve between the key areas. In making that determination, you must ask yourself whether each area is of equal importance to you, or if the areas will have varying levels of importance. Please remember that successful living depends upon being connected with each of these areas. As with most teams, each area will have its own strengths and weaknesses for you. Each area will have its moment in time when it is the most important member of your team. Many experienced mountain climbers will tell you that climbing requires more balance than strength. As with climbing, achieving and possessing strength in only one of the key areas of your life may cause the other areas to atrophy and become dysfunctional. You may then be left with the feeling of failure that some outwardly successful people experience that I described earlier. Attaining and maintaining a balance between these five key areas of your life will assure that you live successfully.

In your quest to reach your own Personal Pinnacle of Success, I encourage you to periodically obtain the assistance of a success coach. Like an expert guide, a coach will help you navigate the difficult straits along your journey and help you to live more successfully.

At this point you may be thinking, “It seems that there will always be something to work on. The journey to the peak of a mountain concludes when you reach the summit. Does the journey to my Personal Pinnacle of Success ever end? ” It is true that there will be things for you to work on throughout the course of your life. Just as you would not attempt to climb Mount Everest when you are a novice mountaineer, you will not immediately reach your Personal Pinnacle of Success.

Having a successful career, maintaining a successful relationship with your family, conducting yourself in a manner deserving of people’s respect, becoming a productive member of your community, and feeling satisfied all require planning, hard work, and perseverance. Success is not a static event or single goal to be met. There will always be a higher mountain to climb. Today you begin your training to commence the greatest expedition of your life. Charting the course and scaling the mountain that is your Personal Pinnacle of Success is a life-long process. If your definitions of success and successful living evolve throughout your lifetime, you will ultimately derive a sense of satisfaction with your achievements as well as a feeling of being successful.

Undoubtedly, you have thought of additional questions such as:

“How do I achieve success in each area?”

“How do I determine what the balance I would like to achieve between the key areas should be?”

“How do I move toward that balance?”

Those, my friend, are topics for other articles!

Until then, may you soar toward your dreams and achieve balance in your life.

Copyright © 1998 – 2011 Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D.

This article (including the copyright notice) may be reprinted with the following the following attachment:

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© 1997 -2011 Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D.  All rights reserved.
Bingo Games, Motivational Material and More at www.UnCommonCourtesy.com! More than 200 holiday, religious, educational, and diversity bingo games and concentration sets available . Bingo games for adults and children to play at home, school, church, corporate meetings, and just about anywhere you can imagine. Games made to order for every occasion. Motivational articles and personal growth exercises too! Join Susan Rempel, Ph.D.’s blog: Seek THE Positive.

 

  

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On Your Mark, Get Set, Go?

Filed Under: Mental Health, Positive Actions, Positive Thinking by Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D. — Leave a comment
January 10, 2011

 Did you make your list on January 1st? I did! You may be one of those individuals, like myself, who makes or revises his or her list every month or quarter. What list am I talking about? That list of resolutions, goals, or good intentions that we hope to follow throughout our lives. Things about ourselves or our lives that we want to change. Many of us dutifully compile those lists, but most of us also almost immediately file them away in a place where we will not be forced to examine and measure our actions against them for some time.

Any therapist, coach, or motivational expert will sing the praises of goal charts, resolutions, life plans, or anything else that helps you stay on track to meet your goals. However, that list can be dangerous. It can even be hazardous to your health! How is that possible? If you make that list, place it in a drawer, and look at it months or even a year after you compose it, it can lead to high levels of stress, as well as feelings of disappointment and even despair. Consider how you would feel if you did not examine your well thought out list until one year later. The plans that you made would probably be unfulfilled. The goals that you set for yourself are unmet. You might have traveled far off the road toward your dreams. It is even possible that you may have forgotten to do something critical for your health and well-being (e.g., that physical you’ve already put off for several years).

Goals, and the lists on which you detail them, are only helpful if you remember what they are. It is essential that you review your list weekly. Better yet, post it somewhere that you will constantly see and be reminded of it. It is easy to veer off the road toward your Personal Pinnacle of Success* if you cannot remember the directions that you carefully mapped out to guide you toward success! It is also easy to become sidetracked when obstacles tumble into your path.

As with a goal, a resolution to do something will only remain meaningful if you remember why it was so important to you in the first place. For example, you may have resolved to work for yourself so that you can have more time with your family. It will be essential for you to keep that in mind during the times that you are struggling to establish yourself as an entrepreneur. Why? Because clearly it is easier to work a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule and let someone else deal with all the headaches of running a business.

Goals and resolutions also need to be specific. For example, the goal of losing 5 pounds in a 30 day period is much more likely to be met than an amorphous goal stating, “I will be skinny by the end of the year.” Many people find themselves being able to meet small goals because they are specific and time-limited. However, they encounter difficulties when they set larger goals that have a greater impact on their lives. Why? Because the goals are not divided into small segments that say what you intend to achieve and have a definite end date for meeting the goal. You are much more likely to meet the goals for your professional and private life if they are broken down into manageable and obtainable segments.

Many people are able to meet goals in their professional lives, but fall short of obtaining them in their personal lives. The problem is similar to the desire to “become skinny” rather than lose 5 pounds each month. In business, it is routine to set sales quotas and an end date for completing projects. However, personal goals are often much more non-descript or amorphous. Goals that will improve the self, or one’s level of happiness, are often difficult to define. For many people, the list of things to improve in their personal lives may include becoming a better person, spouse, or parent. Unlike an objective sales quota that may be objectively defined by the volume of sales, becoming a better anything requires a careful consideration and description of what constitutes the positive characteristics of that certain something. For example, you can only begin to work on a concept such as character development after you have established a detailed list of what constitutes a good or strong character. More specifically, rather than having a resolution “to become a better person” during the next six months, I would encourage you to make a list of qualities that you aspire to obtain. That is, if you value the quality of compassion for others, then try to consistently look at the world through the eyes of those around you for one week. When you have achieved that goal, then set a new goal of behaving in that manner for a month. Another example might be instead of resolving to “be a better parent,” try to have more patience with your child in the coming week. As you internalize the new behavior, then extend the timeline for engaging in the behavior. It is important to remember that personal goals designed to change your behavior, and ultimately your character, take time to internalize and become second nature. Until they are, they must be consciously and conscientiously worked on.

Today is the day to pull your list out of the drawer. Then, display it in some prominent place where you will look at it daily. That list will help you stay focused, meet or exceed your goals, and ultimately help you to be happier in life!

 * Please refer to my article: The Personal Pinnacle of Success: Defining and Climbing the Mountain on Your Own Terms” at http://www.uncommoncourtesy.com/personal1.htm.

Celebrate Life today and everyday!

Susan

Susan C Rempel, Ph.D.

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© 2007-2011 Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D.  All rights reserved.

More than 200 holiday, religious, educational, and diversity bingo games and concentration sets available at http://www.uncommoncourtesy.com. Bingo games for adults and children to play at home, school, church, corporate meetings, and just about anywhere you can imagine. Games made to order for every occasion.Motivational articles and personal growth exercises too! Visit http://www.uncommoncourtesy.com today!

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Turn Your Goals on Thier Head

Filed Under: Mental Health, Positive Actions, Positive Thinking by Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D. — 3 Comments
December 29, 2010

The beginning of a new year is a natural time to take a look at your life and make a list of goals. You might make a list of your top 10 goals for next year. People often set lofty goals for themselves. What is on your list of things to accomplish during the next year? Common goals include: eliminating debt, losing weight, going back to school, spending more time with your family and friends, or becoming more successful.

My suggestion? Turn your goals on their head! Let’s consider the goal of eliminating debt. Wow! If you have a mortgage, car loans, credit card debt, old student loans, etc., you will no doubt throw up your hands in a few weeks because it may take decades to accomplish your goal. However, can you resolve that today you will only spend the cash in your pocket or not spend more than a certain amount of money? Yes, you can! If you want to improve your health, is it likely that you can completely change your diet and stick to it. No, probably not. However, you could resolve that you will not eat any fast food today. Did you achieve your goal? How about tomorrow? Could you do that? Yes, you can! You can also sign up for and attend the first class toward that degree you never finished. That is much easier to carry out than trying to plan how you will complete all ten classes that are required to finish that degree. Is your goal to spend more time with your friends and family? Start by organizing a Facebook group of your nuclear and extended family members. Then post to it once a week. Of course, being successful is an amorphous goal. More than a decade ago I wrote my first article about being successful: “The Personal Pinnacle of Success: Defining Success and Climbing the Mountain on Your Own Terms”. What you define as “being successful” will change, change, and change again over the course of your life. Also, you may experience success in one area of your life, but feel you have neglected others. In my experience, even the most “successful” people feel that he or she needs to be more successful in one way or another. Again, instead of planning out your entire life, ask yourself what you can do today to make yourself feel more successful.

You can choose how to think, feel, and behave today. While you cannot control the actions of others, the economy, or a host of other things, you can make a difference for yourself today and each day. If you make a change, and continue that change for a few weeks, the change will become a habit. Then, decide to make another change. The progression of changes that you make in your life will be slow, but they are much more likely to be successful. What will you choose to change about you think, feel, or behave today? I’d love to hear not only about your choices, but your successes as well! As always, I challenge you to Seek THE Positive! Happy New Year!!

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Christmas Traditions on a Shoestring

Filed Under: Mental Health, Positive Actions, Positive Thinking by Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D. — 1 Comment
December 11, 2010

I received a wonderful comment about my holiday planner post that detailed the writer’s favorite holiday traditions. One thing that struck me was a comment that if someone did not have enough money to attend the play “The Christmas Carol” in person, it would be a good idea to read the story instead. Everyone I know has cut back, and what a great idea it would be to share ideas about how to festively celebrate the holidays in a cost conscious manner. Let me start this off with a few ideas of my own:

Instead of throwing a party for everyone else, how about a pot-luck or a cookie exchange?

Organize a board game party. It can be for adults, children, or a mix of both. This can be a great substitute for going out to dinner and a movie with friends.

Get a group of kids together and made fun and festive videos. They’ll have a blast, and what a great memory will be created!

I know this won’t be well received by my friends at the post office, but try sending email Christams greetings instead of using printed cards. This year I sent all my friends on Facebook a Christmas card, and I had lots of fun making it myself.

I’ve been a fan of homemade gifts for years! In the past I’ve been known to make goodie baskets that included homemade cookies, candies, and liquors. I always tell my children that I would prefer something homemade rather than a gift they grab off the shelf. Consequently, I have wonderful treasures from my children.

Those are just a few ideas that occurred to me as I wrote this post. Now, it’s your turn. What are your ideas? I’d love to hear them!

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Write Your Way Into The Holiday Spirit

Filed Under: Mental Health, Positive Lifestyle, Positive Thinking, Uncategorized by Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D. — 3 Comments
December 10, 2010

Isn’t it wonderful to be in the midst of the holiday season? Today I was fortunate enough to watch two of my children perform in their school’s holiday show. It was so good I had to watch both performances of the show! I just couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as I watched my girls singing!

What? You still haven’t caught the holiday bug? You aren’t fa-la-laing? You can’t quite get into the spirit yet? Let me help! This year I thought it would be fun to create a group story on my bingoforchristmas.com site.  It’s sort of a chain letter that allows each contributor to post another twist and turn to the story. I’m hoping people will get into the spirit, and the story will end up being a fun and festive tale. I only ask that the posts be “G” rated because two of my children are signed up to contribute. In fact, they have each posted to the story, and the story has already taken a turn I had not expected.

I hope you will sign up as a contributor and check back often to see how the story is moving along! To add to the UnCommon Christmas tale, please visit: http://www.bingoforchristmas.com/. There are are two links to the story on the home page of that site. If you would like to be notified each time the story is updated, please sign up to ”like” UnCommon Courtesy on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/uncommoncourtesy

I can’t wait to see how the story turns out? Can you?? Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

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A Christmas Music Challenge

Filed Under: Mental Health, Positive Actions, Positive Lifestyle, Positive Thinking by Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D. — 7 Comments
December 8, 2010

As I’ve said over and over, I just LOVE Christmas music. It not only puts me in the holiday mood, but it lifts my spirits and just seems to make everything seem a bit brighter. I personally listen to the Christmas mix from KOST1035.com.That makes perfect sense in light of the overwhelming amount of research indicating that listening to music can positively benefit your health. If you use Google Scholar to search “music improves mood”, you will find an amazing variety of circumstances in which listening to music can help.

When I dropped my kids off at school this morning, I heard several adults talking about their holiday related stress. I’m guessing that they aren’t the only ones feeling like they can’t get everything done, can’t stay organized, can’t, can’t, can’t. Although that group scoffed at my suggestion to start humming a Christmas tune, I’d like to extend a Christmas music challenge to you. If you are feeling tired, stressed, or otherwise overwhelmed, spend just 10 minutes today listening to festive music. It will not only improve your mood, but it will cause a positive shift in your focus. Let me know if it helps you!

Of course, I have to end this challenge with a shamless plug for my Christmas Songs Bingo game. I’ve had so much fun playing this game in several elementary school classes. I make the older kids sing a few lines of the song before they can cover the square! It is a really fun game to play with kids and adults of all ages. You can order the game at: http://uncommoncourtesy.com/ChristmasSongsBingo.htm or just click on the image below.

  

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Stress Busting Holiday Planner

Filed Under: Mental Health, Positive Actions, Positive Thinking by Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D. — 18 Comments
December 6, 2010

You don’t have time to read an entire book about holiday organization. You’re getting ready for Christmas, but you remember all the stress of Christmas Seasons Past? Relax! Follow this organizational strategy, and you will breeze through an enjoyable stress-free holiday season! Are you stressed about how to plan a party or event? No worries! I will outline how to prepare for a cookie baking holiday party. I have also outlined how to prepare for a Christmas Eve dinner with turkey as the main course. Let’s get started!

The Strategy for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

1. Identify major task areas.  A “task area” is a task, event, or activity that will require time and effort to organize.  Several common task areas are listed below.

2. Break down each task into components. Every task area can be broken down into components or “to do” items.  The components of the major task areas have also been identified below. Of course, any component can be broken down into manageable tasks.

3. Plan a time line for completing each task area.  Create a time line using a week-by-week format that includes the components for each task area.  A sample time line has been developed below in non-calendar format. 

Major Task Areas of Holiday Preparation: Christmas Cards or Email, Decorating, Gifts, Holiday Activities, Holiday Party, Christmas/Christmas Eve Meal, and Christmas Morning Preparation.

Components of Major Task Areas of Holiday Preparation

 CHRISTMAS CARDS OR EMAIL

1. Make adjustments (add new addresses and emails, delete incorrect addresses and emails) to your Christmas card address file. Decide upon the number of Christmas cards to purchase or how many e-cards you will send.

2. Shop for and purchase Christmas cards, or design your own card/letter for emailing.

3. Purchase Christmas stamps.

4. Address Christmas cards or set up an email template or signature.

5. Sign and write notes in Christmas cards. Write a personal note for each email using the email template as a backdrop and send the email.

6. Seal, stamp, and send Christmas cards that will be mailed.

7. Make changes to your Christmas card file as you learn of new addresses and have cards returned in the mail.

DECORATING

1. Purchase new items to compliment the decorations that you presently own on sale throughout the year.

2. Order catalog or on-line items that you purchase each year (e.g., decorations with the year marked on them).

3. Hang outside decorations.

4. Decorate the interior of your home.

5. Purchase or cut wood for the fireplace.

6. Purchase and decorate the Christmas tree.

7. Hang wreaths, boughs, and other living or recently cut items.

8. Hang stockings by the fireplace.

After the holiday:

9. Take down Christmas tree decorations.  Cut up or recycle the tree. Recycle other plant-based items.

10. Return interior decorations to storage bins and boxes. Place decorations for each room in separate containers. Label containers.

11. Dismantle and store exterior decorations.

 GIFTS

1. Make up a gift recipient list. Include a possible gift and alternative gift for each recipient.  Begin looking for sales that might include gift items. 

2. Begin making homemade items.

3. Review parenting magazines for “best toy” recommendations.

4. Get one roll of wrapping paper and gift tags for “from Santa” presents.

5. Organize gift exchange with extended family members and/or friends.

6. Make Christmas paper or gift tags using stencils, last year’s Christmas Cards or Email, and other festive ideas.

7. Wrap presents as they are purchased.

8. Purchase hostess gifts to take to parties which you will attend.

9. Mail presents to out of town recipients.

10. Write thank you notes.

 ACTIVITIES

1. Review a list of last year’s community-based holiday related activities. Contact event organizers to find out the date of the activity this year.  Decide upon activities that you would like to participate in.  Make notes on your calendar to remind yourself to look for the events (e.g., Breakfast with Santa).

2. Purchase tickets to Christmas related ballets, symphonies, sing-a-longs, and other musical events.

3. Begin looking for activities in community calendars for new and interesting events.  Contact event organizers for the dates of activities that you participate in annually (e.g., school Christmas play).

4. Make a list of holiday television programs that you and your family would like to watch. Begin scanning television listings for viewing times.

5. Have children prepare a “letter to Santa” and a wish list.

6. Purchase and use an advent calendar.

7. Order a festive bingo game for all the special children in your life from http://www.uncommoncourtesy.com .

8. Play Christmas music. Be sure to have music to play in your car. Record Christmas programs on television and the radio for early holiday merry making next year.

9. Take children for pictures with Santa or family Christmas photos.

10. Spend a family evening looking at Christmas decorations in your neighborhood.

11. Have children help you bake or decorate Christmas cookies.

12. Attend parties to which you have been invited.

13. Participate in family rituals that are related to Christmas.

HOLIDAY PARTY (and example for a cookie baking party)

1. Decide whether or not to have a holiday party.

2. Search on-line, in holiday books, and in back issues of magazines for unique theme ideas (e.g., a cookie baking party as described below).

3. Purchase non-holiday items (e.g., red candles for your table) that are available on sale.

4. Assemble a guest list.

5. Purchase, address, stamp, and mail party invitations. Be sure to describe the party theme (if there is one) and instructions of what to bring (if the invitee is responsible for bringing any item). 

If you are having a cookie baking party, include a note in the invitation that each invitee will be preparing a batch of cookies during the party, so everyone can learn how to make the cookie. The attendees will be responsible for bringing any unusual items (e.g., jam) or utensils (a mold) that are necessary to complete their recipe. All of the cookies will be divided at the end of the party, placed on plates, and taken home by the cooks.  I would suggest scheduling the party to begin in the late afternoon.  Then, you can easily add a prepare-ahead (i.e., stew) or bring-in dinner (i.e., pizza) that can be attended by spouses or partners.  Sugar cookies can be prepared before the party for children to decorate during the party.  Bake pieces for a large gingerbread house that the attendees can assemble and decorate while their cookies are in the oven or have been prepared. 

6. Prepare an invitation response chart (sample listed below).

Invitees: Smith, Jones, Young, Rush, Lee, Washington, and Rodriguez

 Invitee:                                   adults                          kids

Hill                                          1                                  1

Elder                                       1                                  2

Martinez                                  1

Young                                      1

Tubbs                                      1                                  1

Lee                                         1

Total                                       6                                  4

Spouses to attend dinner:  4

 7. Contact each person who will join you in order to learn what recipe he or she will be preparing.  Ask that the participants bring any special or unusual items for their recipes as well as a copy of the recipe for others to have.

8. Call invitees who have non-responded by the R.S.V.P. deadline.

9. Make a tentative plan for the order that the cookies will be baked in given the amount of oven and microwave space that you have.

10. Bake pieces for a large gingerbread house that everyone will decorate.

11. Prepare sugar cookies for children to decorate.

12. Shop for the party.

Cookie Party Shopping Ingredients:

            Mulled apple cider to drink during party: apple cider, and mulling spices.

            Cooking ingredients and decorating ideas for ginger bread houses: flour, roll out sugar cookie dough (for kids), sugar, raisins, powdered sugar, food color (red & green), brown sugar, oil, corn syrup, coconut flakes, milk, Crisco, eggs, Eagle Brand condensed milk, butter, baking chocolate, vanilla, peppermints (red, green), almonds, walnuts, baking powder, baking soda, miniature marshmallows, graham crackers, molasses, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, salt, etc.).

            Decorating Ingredients for sugar cookies for kids:  sprinkles (red, green, blue), tubes of frosting, frosting (vanilla), chips (chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter), kisses, M&M’s, jelly beans, and candy canes.

         Containers: Christmas cookie containers, Christmas plastic wrap or cellophane paper to cover, ribbon to wrap up cookies.

         Drinks: soda, juices, red wine, white wine, coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea.

         Snacks: cheeses, spreads, crackers, and chips/pretzels for kids.

         Utensils: paper plates, plastic silverware, plastic glasses, and napkins.

         Dinner: ingredients for stew, chili, or soup.  Alternatively, plan to bring in dinner (e.g., pizza, Chinese take-out food, etc.).

12. Clean all baking pans, mixing bowls, and cooking utensils that will be used by the cooks.

13. Clear counter space in the kitchen so each cook will have adequate room to work. Place an apron and a cleaning cloth in each cook’s workspace. 

14. Organize counter space or clear a table for the children work on. Set up decorating ingredients.

15. Arrange ingredient and cookware areas.

16. Set up a cooling area so the cookies can cool without being disturbed.

17. Use a crock pot to heat the mulled apple cider.

18. Place everything that is necessary for dinner in one place.  That includes plates, utensils, drinks, etc.

19. Organize a wrapping area with plates, cellophane paper, ribbons, and scissors.

20. Place snacks in bowls.

21. Turn on Christmas music.

22. Light fire in fireplace.

CHRISTMAS/CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL (Example: Christmas Eve dinner with roasted turkey as the main course)

1. Review menu from last year’s Christmas meal. Consider adjusting menu items, as well as the amount of food and drink items that are necessary for guests.

2. Purchase non-holiday items that are available (e.g., red candles for your table) on sale.

3. Arrange for extra help on Christmas Eve.

4. Prepare Christmas Eve party invitations.  Be sure to put an R.S.V.P. deadline.

5. Mail or email Christmas Eve party invitations.

6. Prepare an invitation response chart (sample listed below).

Invitees: Smith, Jones, Young, Rush, Lee, Washington, and Rodriguez

Attending:                              adults                          kids

Smith                                      2                                  2

Jones                                      2                                  2

Young                                      2

Rush                                        2

Lee                                         1

Washington                            decline

Rodriguez                              2

Monroe                                  2                                4

Total                                    13                                8

7. Order meat items from butcher (e.g., turkey, stock, giblets, etc.).

8. Order bakery goods (e.g. dinner rolls, pies, etc.).

9. Order liquor (e.g., wine, champagne, and liquors).

10. Place an order for rental items (tables, chairs, napkins, tablecloths, tablecloth for child’s table, punch bowl, etc.). Mark the delivery date on your calendar. Make arrangements of where to leave items in case you are not home when they are delivered.

11. Clean carpets and area rugs.

12. Wash exterior windows.                   

13. Call invitees who have non-responded by the R.S.V.P. deadline.

14. Check non-rented table linens to make sure they are clean. Clean items as necessary.

15. Clean or polish floors.

16. Tune piano or other musical instruments.

17. Purchase special table items for children (e.g., a candy cane for each place setting).

18. Purchase Christmas potpourri.

19. Purchase batteries and charge all AV equipment for Christmas meal memories.  Check camera and video camera. 

20. Purchase a Christmas puzzle, Christmas video, and/or other Christmas related activity for the children to use after dinner.

21.  Compile shopping list for Christmas Eve/Day dinner:

 Christmas Eve Dinner Ingredients:     

 Christmas Mugs: Apple cider and mulling spices.

 Turkey:  turkey, giblets, and chicken broth.

 Stuffing: White bread, chicken broth, celery, onions, dried cranberries, butter, and spices.

 Gravy: Chicken broth, spices, and flour.

 Mashed Potatoes: Potatoes, butter, milk, and salt.

 Jell-O Salad: Lemon Jell-O, cranberry sauce, walnuts, celery, pineapple (crushed), and salad bowl lettuce (to place under the salad on plates).

Sweet Potatoes in Oranges: oranges, yams, brown sugar, milk, butter, miniature marshmallows, and candied cherries (marshmallows and cherries are for decorations).

Peas: Peas, butter, and spices.

Carrots: Carrots, butter, and spices.

Dinner Rolls

Condiments for Tables: crab apples, cranberry sauce, and mint jelly.

Drinks: Water, champagne, sparkling cider, soda, wine, coffee, decaffeinated coffee, tea, and herb tea.

Desserts: Mince pie, homemade cookies, Yule log, and candy.

22. Purchase dry/canned/frozen products.

23. Purchase non-baked dessert items (e.g., candy).

24. Polish silver and other serving items.

25. Clean crystal and glass stemware.

26. Contact extra helpers a few days before the party to make sure they will be there on time. Prepare a check to have ready before the party.

27. Pick-up or arrange for delivery of all ordered items.

28. Purchase perishable items.

29. Prepare “make ahead” items (e.g., casseroles, stuffing, cookies, pies, etc.)

30. Fill salt & pepper shakers.

31. Grind coffee.

32. Complete party set-up (e.g., arrange tables, set up place settings, arrange flowers and centerpieces/candles, set up mulled cider table, set up a buffet and/or dessert table, set up a coffee/tea table).

33. Use the gingerbread house that was made at your cookie baking party as a centerpiece or decoration for the desert table.

34. Lay out all items necessary for stuffing and baking the turkey. Stuff turkey and place in the oven.

35. Place sodas, white wine, champagne, and other cooled drinks in tubs of ice adjacent to the party area.

36. Peel and mash potatoes.

37. Prepare other main course items.

39. Turn on Christmas music and lights.

40. Light fire in the fireplace.

41. Prepare mulled cider.

After the party:

42. Clean table linens.

43. Pack away centerpieces and other party decorations.

44. Stack rental items for pick-up. Be sure to count napkins and other rented linen items prior to pick-up.

45. Pack away silver, crystal, and other serving items.

46. Store Christmas candles and other items that can be re-used next year.

CHRISTMAS MORNING PREPARATION

1. Purchase batteries for Christmas morning memories.  Check camera and video camera. Charge and replace batteries as necessary.

2. Purchase coordinating Christmas pajamas to give to the children on Christmas Eve.

3. Purchase breakfast items to have on hand for Christmas morning.  Be sure to plan an easy-to-fix breakfast.

4. Have children leave a plate of cookies out for Santa before they go to bed.

5. Present children with special Christmas pajamas to wear in anticipation for Christmas morning.

6. Place gifts by the tree.

7. Jingle bells outside of children’s window or on roof so they hear Santa leaving.

SAMPLE TIME LINE

SEPTEMBER

Christmas Cards or Email:

1. Make adjustments (add new addresses, delete incorrect addresses) to your Christmas card address file.

2. Decide upon the number of Christmas Cards or Email to purchase.

 Gifts:

1. Make up a gift recipient list. Include a possible gift and alternative gift for each recipient.  Begin looking for sales that might include gift items. 

2. Begin making homemade items.

OCTOBER

Christmas Cards or Email:

1. Shop for and purchase Christmas cards or design an email template for holiday emails.

Decorating:

1. Purchase new items to compliment the decorations that you presently own.

2. Order catalog or on-line items that you purchase each year (e.g., decorations with the year marked on them).

Gifts:

1. Review parenting magazines for “best toy” recommendations.

2. Get one roll of wrapping paper and gift tags. for “from Santa” presents

3. Organize gift exchange with extended family members and/or friends.

 Activities:

1. Review a list of last year’s community-based holiday related activities. Contact event organizers to find out the date of the activity this year.  Decide upon activities that you would like to participate in.  Make notes on your calendar to remind yourself to look for the events (e.g., Breakfast with Santa).

 Holiday Party:

1. Decide whether or not to have a holiday party.

2. Search on-line, in holiday books, and in back issues of magazines for unique theme ideas (e.g., a cookie baking party as described below).

3. Purchase non-holiday items (e.g., red candles for your table) that are available on sale.

 Christmas/Christmas Eve Meal:

1. Review menu from last year’s Christmas meal. Consider adjusting menu items, as well as the amount of food and drink items that are necessary for guests.

2. Purchase non-holiday items that are available (e.g., red candles for your table) on sale.

 NOVEMBER

 Christmas Cards or Email:

1. Purchase Christmas stamps.

2. Address Christmas cards.

3. Sign and write notes in Christmas cards or email. Use holiday email template to send personalized emails.

4. Seal, stamp, and send Christmas cards.

Decorating:

1. Hang outside decorations on Thanksgiving weekend.

2. Purchase or cut wood for the fireplace.

 Gifts:

1. Make Christmas paper or gift tags using stencils, last year’s Christmas Cards or Email, and other festive ideas.

2. Wrap presents as they are purchased.

 Activities:

1. Purchase tickets to Christmas related ballets, symphonies, sing-a-longs, and other musical events.

2. Have children prepare a “letter to Santa” and a wish list.

3. Begin looking for activities in community calendars for new and interesting events.  Contact event organizers for the dates of activities that you participate in annually (e.g., school Christmas play).

4. Make a list of holiday television programs that you and your family would like to watch. Begin scanning television listings for viewing times.

 Holiday Party:

1. Assemble a guest list.

2. Purchase, address, stamp, and mail party invitations. Be sure to describe the party theme (if there is one) and instructions of what to bring (if the invitee is responsible for bringing any item). 

If you are having a cookie baking party, explain that the invitee will be preparing a batch of cookies during the party. The attendees will be responsible for bringing any unusual items (e.g., jam) or utensils (a mold) that are necessary to complete their recipe. All of the cookies will be divided at the end of the party, placed on plates, and taken home by the cooks.  I would suggest having the party begin in the late afternoon.  Then, you can easily add a prepare-ahead (i.e., stew) or bring-in dinner (i.e., pizza) that can be attended by spouses or partners.  Sugar cookies can be prepared before the party for children to decorate during the party.  Bake pieces for a large gingerbread house that the attendees can assemble and decorate while their cookies are in the oven or have been prepared. 

3. Prepare an invitation response chart (sample listed below).

Invitees: Smith, Jones, Young, Rush, Lee, Washington, and Rodriguez

 Invitee:                                   adults                          kids

Hill                                          1                                  1

Elder                                       1                                  2

Martinez                                 1

Young                                     1

Tubbs                                     1                                  1

Lee                                         1

Total                                        6                                  4

Spouses to attend dinner:  4

 Christmas/Christmas Eve Meal:

1. Arrange for people to help you on Christmas Eve.

2. Prepare Christmas Eve invitations.  Be sure to put an R.S.V.P. deadline.

3. Mail Christmas Eve invitations.

Prepare an invitation response chart (sample listed below)

            Invitees: Smith, Jones, Young, Rush, Lee, Washington, and Rodriguez

 Attending:                              adults                          kids

Smith                                     2                                  2

Jones                                      2                                  2

Young                                     2

Rush                                       2

Lee                                         1

Washington                            decline

Rodriguez                              2

Monroe                                  2                                4

Total                                    22                                8

Christmas Morning Preparation:

1. Purchase batteries, film and videotape for Christmas morning memories.  Check camera and video camera. Charge and replace batteries as necessary.

 2. Purchase coordinating Christmas pajamas to give to the children on Christmas Eve.

DECEMBER

Christmas Cards or Email:

1. Make changes to your Christmas card file as you learn of new addresses/emails and have cards returned in the mail.

 Decorating:

1. Decorate the interior of your home.

2. Purchase and decorate the Christmas tree.

3. Hang stockings by the fireplace.

4. Hang wreaths, boughs, and other living or recently cut items.

Gifts:

1. Purchase hostess gifts to take to parties which you will attend.

2. Mail presents to out of town recipients.

Activities:

1. Purchase and use an advent calendar.

2. Order a bingo game for all the special children in your life from http://www.uncommoncourtesy.com .

3. Play Christmas music. Have music to play in your car! Record Christmas programs on television and the radio for early holiday merry making next year.

4. Take children for pictures with Santa or family Christmas photos.

5. Spend a family evening looking at Christmas decorations in your neighborhood.

6. Have children help you bake or decorate Christmas cookies.

7. Attend parties to which you have been invited.

8. Participate in family rituals that are related to Christmas.

Holiday Party:

1. Call invitees who have non-responded by the R.S.V.P. deadline.

2. Contact each person who will join you in order to learn what recipe he or she will be preparing.  Ask that the participants bring any special or unusual items for their recipes as well as a copy of the recipe for others to have.

3. Make a tentative plan for the order that the cookies will be baked in given the amount of oven and microwave space that you have.

4. Bake pieces for a large gingerbread house that everyone will decorate.

5. Prepare sugar cookies for children to decorate.

6. Shop for the party.

Cookie Party Shopping Ingredients:

            Mulled apple cider to drink during party: apple cider, and mulling spices.

            Cooking ingredients and decorating ideas for ginger bread houses: flour, roll out sugar cookie dough (for kids), sugar, raisins, powdered sugar, food color (red & green), brown sugar, oil, corn syrup, coconut flakes, milk, Crisco, eggs, Eagle Brand condensed milk, butter, baking chocolate, vanilla, peppermints (red, green), almonds, walnuts, baking powder, baking soda, miniature marshmallows, graham crackers, molasses, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, salt, etc.).

             Decorating Ingredients for sugar cookies for kids:  sprinkles (red, green, blue), tubes of frosting, frosting (vanilla), chips (chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter), kisses, M&M’s, jelly beans, and candy canes.

         Containers: Christmas cookie containers, Christmas plastic wrap or cellophane paper to cover, ribbon to wrap up cookies.

          Drinks: soda, juices, red wine, white wine, coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea.

          Snacks: cheeses, spreads, crackers, and chips/pretzels for kids.

          Utensils: paper plates, plastic silverware, plastic glasses, and napkins.

Dinner: ingredients for stew, chili, or soup.  Alternatively, plan on a bring-in dinner (e.g., pizza, Chinese take-out food, etc.).

1. Clean all baking pans, mixing bowls, and cooking utensils that will be used by the cooks.

2. Clear counter space in the kitchen so each cook will have adequate room to work. Place an apron and a cleaning cloth in each cook’s workspace. 

3. Set-up counter space or clear a table for the children work on. Set up decorating ingredients.

4. Set-up ingredient and cookware areas.

5. Set-up a cooling area so the cookies can cool without being disturbed.

6. Set-up a beverage area for the mulled apple cider.

7. Place everything that is necessary to set-up for dinner in one place.  That would include plates, utensils, drinks, etc.

8. Set-up a wrapping area with plates, cellophane paper, ribbons, and scissors.

Set-up snacks.

9. Turn on Christmas music.

10. Light fire in the fireplace.

11. Warm mulled cider.

Christmas/Christmas Eve Meal:

1. Place order with butcher (e.g., turkey, stock, etc.).

2. Place order with bakery (e.g. dinner rolls, pies, etc.).

3. Place order for liquor (e.g., wine, champagne, and liquors).

4. Place an order for rental items (tables, chairs, napkins, tablecloths, tablecloth for child’s table, punch bowl, etc.) Mark the delivery date on your calendar. Make arrangements of where to leave items in case you are not home when they are delivered.

5. Have carpets cleaned.

6. Have windows washed.                     

7. Call invitees who have non-responded by the R.S.V.P. deadline.

Check table linens to make sure they are clean. Clean items as necessary.

8. Arrange for floors to be polished.

9. Arrange for piano to be tuned.

10. Purchase special table items for children (e.g., a candy cane for each place setting).

11. Purchase Christmas potpourri.

12. Purchase batteries, film and videotape for Christmas meal memories.  Check camera and video camera. Charge and replace batteries as necessary.

13. Purchase a Christmas puzzle, Christmas video, and/or other Christmas related activity for the children to use after dinner.

14. Begin shopping for the meal.

Christmas Eve Dinner Ingredients:     

Christmas Mugs: Apple cider and mulling spices.

Turkey:  turkey, giblets, and chicken broth.

Stuffing: White bread, chicken broth, celery, onions, dried cranberries, butter, and spices.

Gravy: Chicken broth, spices, and flour.

Mashed Potatoes: Potatoes, butter, milk, and salt.

Jell-O Salad: Lemon Jell-O, cranberry sauce, walnuts, celery, pineapple (crushed), and salad bowl lettuce (to place under the salad on plates).

Sweet Potatoes in Oranges: oranges, yams, brown sugar, milk, butter, miniature marshmallows, and candied cherries (marshmallows and cherries are for decorations).

Peas: Peas, butter, and spices.

Carrots: Carrots, butter, and spices.

Dinner Rolls

Condiments for Tables: crab apples, cranberry sauce, and mint jelly.

Drinks: Water, champagne, sparkling cider, soda, wine, coffee, decaffeinated coffee, tea, and herb tea.

Desserts: Mince pie, homemade cookies, Yule log, and candy.

15. Purchase dry/canned/frozen products.

16. Purchase non-baked dessert items (e.g., candy).

17. Polish silver and other serving items.

18. Clean crystal and glass stemware.

19. Double check with extra help a few days before the party to make sure they will be there on time. Prepare a check to have ready before the party.

20. Pick-up or arrange for delivery of all ordered items.

21. Purchase perishable items.

22. Prepare “make ahead” items (e.g., casseroles, stuffing, cookies, pies, etc.)

23. Shop for all perishable items.

24. Fill salt & pepper shakers.

25. Grind coffee.

26. Complete party set-up (e.g., arrange tables, set place settings, arrange flowers and centerpieces/candles, set up mulled cider table, set up a buffet and/or dessert table, set up a coffee/tea table).

27. Use the gingerbread house that was made at your cookie baking party as a centerpiece or decoration for a desert table.

28. Lay out all items necessary for stuffing and baking the turkey. Stuff turkey and place in the oven.

29. Place sodas, white wine, champagne, and other cooled drinks in tubs of ice adjacent to the party area.

30. Peel and mash potatoes.

31. Prepare other main course items

32. Turn on Christmas music and lights.

33. Light fire in the fireplace.

34. Prepare mulled cider.

35. Clean table linens.

36. Pack away centerpieces and other party decorations.

37. Stack rental items for pick-up. Be sure to count napkins and other rented linen items prior to pick-up.

Christmas Morning Preparation:

1. Purchase breakfast items to have on hand for Christmas morning.  Be sure to plan an easy-to-fix breakfast.

2. Have children leave a plate of cookies out for Santa before they go to bed.

3. Present children with special Christmas pajamas to wear in anticipation for Christmas morning.

4. Place gifts by the tree.

5. Jingle bells outside of children’s window or on roof so they hear Santa leaving.

January

Christmas Cards or Email:

1. Make changes to your Christmas card file as you learn of new addresses and have cards returned in the mail.

 Decorating:

1. Take down Christmas tree decorations.  Cut up or recycle the tree. Recycle other plant-based items.

2. Put away interior decorations. Place decorations for each room in separate containers.

3. Dismantle and store exterior decorations.

Christmas/Christmas Eve Meal:

1. Pack away silver, crystal, and other serving items.

2. Store Christmas candles and other items that can be re-used next year.

Gifts:

1. Write thank you notes.

© 1998 – 2010 Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D.  All rights reserved.

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Just Jump in to This Holiday Season!

Filed Under: Mental Health, Positive Actions, Positive Lifestyle, Positive Thinking by Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D. — 2 Comments
October 19, 2010

I can’t deny that trick or treating, as well as the thanks and gratitude that embodies Thanksgiving are whole heartedly embraced in our home.  But this year I’m in need of a big dose of positive energy. Aren’t you? I’m a big Fa-La-La er from way back, but this year I’m feeling the need to get all out festive. I am READY to jump in and start celebrating the holiday season, but it’s too early to put up a tree! So, I have decided to celebrate the entire fall and winter holiday season as if it’s those merry weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am going to fill this time with family, friends, and positive action. I want to build up to things slowly and enjoy each moment rather than being thrown into it the day after Thanksgiving and totally exhausting myself during the few weeks thereafter.

How will I achieve my goal? Here are my top 10 steps for enjoying this year’s fall and winter holiday season to the fullest:

  1. Play Some Holiday Tunes! People around me may roll their eyes, but I love Christmas music. Christmas carols, be they traditional music, funny songs, or new versions of old favorites put me in a good mood! I used to be sad when December 26th rolled around because all that “happy music” was gone. Then one year I thought to myself, “Who exactly is preventing me from listening to Christmas music any time that I choose?” I quickly concluded that the answer was: no one! I’ve even been known to listen to a Christmas Carol or two in July. Here’s a little secret: if you search the term “Christmas” on www.kost1035.com, you can listen to the station’s holiday mixes all year long. I’m sure there are a multitude of other ways that you can listen to holiday music,  but no matter how you do it you’ll feel more festive after you’ve sung a carol or two!
  2. Fix Up Those Much Loved Decorations! If you are like me, every year when I get out the copious amounts of decorations that I spew around the house between October 1st and December 31st, there are always a few items that are in need of repair. My good intentions tell me that I will find the time to mend, glue, dye or somehow fix those treasures from the past, but the holiday seasons rush by, and the repairs never seem to get done. This year, when I’m in the need of my 2 hour “I need to get festive” fix, I might just choose to rummage through the boxes and find something that needs a bit of TLC. Do you have any good tips for repairing holiday decorations? Send them to me at: susan@uncommoncourtesy.com. I will post them on one of UnCommon Courtesy’s sister sites, so others can learn from your experience. You didn’t know that UnCommon Courtesy had sister sites? There are so many bingo games on uncommoncourtesy.com that I decided to develop a series of sites that focus on particular themes. The sites are bingoforhalloween.com, bingoforchristmas.com, bingoforparties.com, http://www.bingofordiversity.com, bingoforlearning.com, bingoforchristians.com, and bingoforcatholics.com. The sites are just getting started. Eventually, they will include lots of information and products pertaining to each particular site’s theme. If you have any suggestions about what should be included on any of those sites, please email me at susan@uncommoncourtesy.com.
  3. Create An Amazing Family Treasure! Now, I’m not talking about something that can be created during an afternoon of crafting. I’m talking about putting together a true keepsake! Something that you have to learn how to do, work at, or obsessively focus on. A stained glass image? A crocheted blanket? A hand embroidered Christmas stocking? Whatever you choose to make, you will get that festive feeling each and every time you take a crack at it. Better yet, why not make a family project out of it? How about building a miniature model of the North Pole, paint it, decorate it, and really jazz it up with your family. The possibilities are endless. It will be a lasting treasure, and you will remember the fun that your family had building it together. What ideas do you have for creating a new family treasure? Email me your ideas or a picture of your creation at: susan@uncommoncourtesy.com, and I’ll share it with others on one of the UnCommon Courtesy sister sites.
  4. Reconnect With Long Lost Friends! Reconnecting with old friends on Facebook has been a real treat for me. What?  You aren’t on Facebook?? Just jump into that (and other social networking sites) too, if you want to feel festive this holiday season! I’ve always had a plethora of friends, but it is so hard to stay connected as you go through the changes we all experience in life. Then, add to it that I just naturally like to talk to people….my kids are always after me to stop chatting! One day I was chatting with a local business owner much to the dismay of my teenager. When we left the store, he said, “Mom, why don’t you get on Facebook? Then you could chat with everyone you know while you are working on the computer.” All my friends? All in one place?? All at one time??? I almost started salivating. Where do I sign up! Needless to say I’ve had so much fun finding and catching up with friends from all the different times and aspect of my life. It’s like old home week, and I know it will be a whole lot easier to feel festive because I can now share my life and talk about things with friends, family, and maybe even a few friends of friends as well. You can visit the UnCommon Courtesy page on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/uncommoncourtesy .
  5. Plan A Party That Makes The Most of Merriment! Don’t wait for an invitation to be extended your way. It’s hard to miss the feeling of festivity that goes along with planning and hosting a party. The reason for the gathering is insignificant. It could be a holiday party, a reunion of old friends, an afternoon card or book club, or just a get together with another family. Large or small it really doesn’t matter. It’s not the size of the party. It doesn’t require a budget-breaking outpouring of funds. It’s not the formality of the occasion. It’s the energy that goes into planning it. It’s the anticipation of the fun you will have during it. It’s the synergy of friends getting together. Pick a date and start planning that festive occasion. Email me your party ideas, party planning tips, or pictures of decorations that you have made for a special get together at susan@uncommoncourtesy.com. I’ll post  fascinating information and ideas on bingoforparties.com.
  6. Got Kids? If Not, Then Find Some! It’s a tried and true tradition to focus on your children during the holiday season, but that is not what this point references. Kids are so good at enjoying themselves and living in the moment. When was the last time you raced through the office or the mall like a kid runs through a theme park? The phrases “be responsible,” “work before play,” or “don’t wear yourself out” don’t even occur to children.  Kids don’t believe in having fun on a small scale. They always want to go all out in true hedonistic fashion!  Now, when you’re making plans, don’t think about just spending time with one child. Get a whole group of them together. The synergy created between children when they are enjoying themselves is fantastic!  So, spend time with your kids, your friends’ children, or just about any group of youngsters that you can round up. They will remind you what it’s like to have fun! Of course, this is a perfect time for a shameless plug: there dozens and dozens of holiday, party, and otherwise festive bingo games available at www.uncommoncourtesy.com!
  7. Get Trendy And Make Your Very Own “Green” Christmas Card! Christmas cards are wonderful things. I know. I used to send hundreds out each year. Sadly, I found that after my children were born, there just wasn’t enough time in the day to get those holiday cards in the mail. This year I’m going green. I’m going to make a wonderful card, and email it, post it, and otherwise distribute it to everyone.  Be creative! Take the time to incorporate a picture, clipart, a poem, or whatever strikes your fancy. Working on your card in small increments will give you that holiday fix in only a few minute’s time. The UnCommon Courtesy Christmas card can be seen at: http://www.uncommoncourtesy.com/christmascard2010.htm. Send me your holiday card and I’ll post it on my bingoforchristmas.com website.
  8. Enlist Your Friends and Family in Creating a Group Holiday Story! The twists and turns taken by a group holiday story are just so darn fun. Never written one? It’s simple. Pick a holiday, or an event, that is far enough away on the calendar so there will be enough time to develop a fairly lengthy story. Next, decide whether the story will be created online or offline. If it is a story that will be written online, set up a page where people can post contributions to the story. The advantage to a story that is written online is that everyone can read the story as it unfolds, and each person who contributes can make multiple entries to the story. Also, each contributor can invite his or her friends to join in on the fun as well. It can get to be quite a production. If it’s an old fashion hand written story, then buy or make a book with lined pages. The book can be passed from one person to the next until the entire book is filled. After you have chosen the place where then story is written, then come up with rules and regulations for contributing to the story. This could include the main characters in the story, the setting for the story, the focus of the story, and/or the genre in which it is written. Decide how many words, lines, or paragraphs can be contributed by each participant at a time. Then, invite your friends to participate. Remind them that all contributions should be “G rated” or as I like to say: “something you could show to your grandmother.” It is a fun group activity, and you can never predict how the story will end. Please add your contribution to the UnCommon Courtesy Christmas Story at: http://www.bingoforchristmas.com/christmas-story/.
  9. Give Yourself an Early Present This Year: Start Taking Better Care of Yourself Today!  What does taking care of yourself have to do with being festive? Well, it’s not easy to kick off your shoes and have a good time, if you lack energy or feel unhealthy. Just about every person I know has a list of things that he or she intends to do someday in order to improve his or her health. Well, there is no time like the present. It’s time to get cracking on your list! Prioritize your list and start slowly working  through it one item at a time. Give up junk food. Exercise more. Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, or chemical laden sodas. Develop a more positive outlook. Choose to eat healthier. Get an extra hour of sleep each night. minimize drama in your day-to-day existence. The possibilities for your list are vast. It may take years to get through your list, but each time you check off an item you’ll feel healthier, as well as feeling better about yourself. Not only will you feel better, but you will be a better friend, spouse, and parent if you improve your health. It will be a present for everyone. Be sure to subscribe to my positive outlook and health blog at: http://www.bingoforlearning.com/healthblog/ while you are improving your health and lifestyle!
  10. Consider Giving a Different Kind of Gift This Year: Plan to Give The Gift of Yourself! It’s just too easy to run to the store, buy something on a shelf, and stick it in a bag. Worse: a few clicks of the mouse will result in a present chosen, purchased, wrapped, and sent in the mail. Think of doing something different this year. When you make your list of presents that will be given, make the choice to give of yourself. I love those coupon booklets that my kids have given me in the past. They are filled with things I often ask them to do, would like them to try, and even promises to do something “without whining.”  What part of yourself can you give to your friends and family this year? Will you make them a homemade batch of cookies? Could you put together a picnic lunch that will be shared with them at the park? Can you donate a bit of extra time to your child’s, or grandchild’s, classroom? Might you offer to babysit or provide transportation to someone in a time of need? Encourage your children to give of themselves this year as well. Homemade presents from children are popular with everyone I know. No matter what time or talents you may have, I’m betting that it won’t be hard to think of something special to give to each and every person on your list this year.

I’m off to enjoy a warm and wonderful holiday season. My belief that life is an adventure has led me to Seek THE Positive in everything that I do, and I plan to enjoy this holiday season to the fullest extent possible! I hope that you will join me in my adventure, and I wish you and your family the best holiday season ever. Merry Christmas! 

Susan

Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D.

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Seek THE Positive

Filed Under: Mental Health, Physical Health, Positive Actions, Positive Lifestyle, Positive Thinking by Susan C. Rempel, Ph.D. — Leave a comment
July 10, 2010

I, Susan Rempel, have decided to seek THE Positive. It is my adventure to constantly improve my health and wellbeing. Won’t you join me?

What does it mean to seek THE positive?

“T” refers to your thoughts and mental health. Working to stay positive each and every day is a conscious choice that you make each moment of your life. Thinking positively and with great enthusiasm improves your mood. Learning to reduce and better manage stress impacts your mental and physical well being. Forming healthy relationships, and minimizing the drama that you choose to enter into, leads to a centered and balanced approach to life. Having a positive belief system not only boosts your enthusiasm during your search for the positive side of life, but it also provides comfort when you are faced with life’s difficult moments. Being grateful for the life you have been given will help you to continue to seek THE positive each and every day. And, by the way, what have you done today that is “just for fun”? When you were a child, play and fun was something you not only sought, but you actively demanded. Ask yourself when was the last time you brought fun into your life.

“H” refers to your physical health and well being. Taking care of your body improves the quality and length of your life. Eating well and correctly supplementing your body will improve your health. Exercise improves not only muscle strength and system function, but it improves your mood and how you feel about yourself. Resting your body and getting enough sleep is critical for so many reasons. Finding alternative and integrative options to maintain and improve your physical health and well being gives you choices that place you in control of your health!

“E” refers to Education, Evaluation, and Execution. This is the “action” part of THE and the most challenging as well. How do you know what to eat and how to supplement if you are not constantly educating yourself? Are you filling your mind with positive thoughts and information? Are you critically analyzing what you learn? Don’t just take someone’s word for something if it is your health that is at stake. Take time to learn more about a subject. Hear what others have to say about the subject. Develop your own opinion and march forth on your quest for that positive health and well being that you seek to achieve. Are you processing how each relationship in your life impacts you? Evaluate how you can focus yourself and those around you on what is most positive each and every day. How you execute or choose, to think, behave, and act is perhaps the hardest part of the equation. You make choices that impact your physical and mental well being all day long. What you put, or don’t put, into your body, how you choose to view a situation or relationship, and how you treat yourself impacts the quality and length of your life.

Life is a journey…. Seek THE positive each and every day!

I decided to devote a portion of my website, uncommoncourtesy.com, to writing articles, and develop a series of games to help me share what has worked for me and my optimism for the future with others. Enjoy! I’ll be releasing new games slowly over the next few months. If you have suggestions, I’d love to hear them!

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