Fall break is over and it's almost November. What does this mean? It means holiday season has arrived! Halloween is just around the corner and before we know it, it'll be Thanksgiving and then Christmas, and in the blink of en eye it'll be 2019. Did I just freak you out? Yeah, I freaked myself out too. As this time of year creeps up on us, people tend to get really stressed and overwhelmed. They're making plans, cooking big meals, buying presents, seeing distant family they haven't seen in years... it can be a crazy time of year. However, I'm here to give you a few tips on how to stay calm during the holidays and also how to enjoy them!

1) Make Lists

The best tip I can give you is make lists. Stay organized. Chaos seems a lot less chaotic when you've got things planned out and organized. Now I'm not just talking about a grocery list, but lists of things you need to do every day, a list of all your family plans and when they're happening, and obviously a Christmas list! The best way to keep organized with your Christmas lists is to write down everyone that you have to get gifts for and then write what you're getting each of them. After you buy that item, check it off. It'll make Christmas shopping a lot less stressful. Also, don't forget to budget!

2) Start Early

Don't be that person that does all their Christmas shopping last minute. Get it done early. I know a lot of people hate it when people get excited for Christmas before thanksgiving but it's ok to start buying gifts early. Trust me, buying them before thanksgiving is NOT too early. You want to get them done so that you can actually enjoy the holiday season without being overwhelmed and stressed.

3) Make Time for Yourself

I know this time of year is the season of giving but make sure you give yourself some time to relax and unwind. Maybe schedule a spa day or even some time just to sit down and watch a few hallmark Christmas movies. However, if you don't do the two things I mentioned above, you might not have time to take time for yourself.

4) Ask for help

When it comes to thanksgiving dinner and Christmas dinner, it can be a lot to handle. There are so many people to feed and you have to make SO MUCH FOOD. So, in order to save yourself, ask your family for help. Ask the guests to bring side dishes or even ask them to come early and help you cook. Now, if you're not the one cooking, maybe offer to help the one who is. They might consider you a life safer.

Now, don't try and do one of these things and not the others because your holiday season will still be hectic. You won't have time to do 3 if you don't do 1 or 2 or even 3. So, take my advice: make lists, start early, ask for help, and always make time for yourself! Good luck this holiday season. I