HOW TO HAVE A STRESS FREE CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR...REALLY!

No matter how hard we try, despite our good intentions, in spite of the lovely Christmas we had planned, as women we always seem to end up frazzled by the end of the season, many times an emotional wreck, and wondering what had happened to all of our lovely plans. And then in January we get on the scale and to add insult to injury we've gained five pounds!

We all know why this happens, but we seem powerless to stop it. It's the "do for syndrome" we women have going on in our heads. We get so wrapped up in making Christmas great for the kids and the extended family, not to mention friends and co-workers, that somehow we get lost in the shuffle. We're not taking care of ourselves or our emotional needs, and Christmas soon turns into a job...a long tedious job that we're glad to see end. After all, we have enough jobs!

What if I told you that you only needed two very inexpensive things to change all of that this Christmas! I stumbled across this secret a few years ago and it has changed every holiday season since. As it turns out, it seems all I needed was a daily reminder to take care of myself and have fun. Simple, isn't it?

The only two things needed to make this Christmas great are a scrapbook and a few of last years seasonal magazines. The scrapbook doesn't have to be expensive. You should be able to find a nice, inexpensive one at Wal-Mart or any dollar store. I found an unused one at a thrift store this year for a dollar. And if you didn't save last year's holiday magazines, they're pretty easy to find at thrift stores for fifty cents or less. Counry living is probably my favorite, with Good Housekeeping a close second. Of course, you'll want to choose your own magazines to suit your own style.

I begin my scrapbook by labeling each day from Thanksgiving day until Christmas day at the top of each page. I then note each event that I'm in control of and mark those pages, such as a family Christmas party that I'm hosting. The rest of my scrapbook is a clean slate ready to be filled up.

This year I decided, with the present economy, my theme for my scrapbook would be "Less is more at Christmas", a reminder that overspending is a big stress inducer too. I used this from the very beginning, on Thanksgiving day, by keeping the menu simple. Having so many leftovers only encourages overeating, and we usually ended up throwing a ton away. I also reminded myself of this theme on my Christmas shopping days.

Now I'm ready to remember to take care of myself. I use several different prompts that I scatter throughout the pages between Thanksgving and Christmas. For example on several pages I might write in, "have a calorie banking lunch" and below this notate a simple, low fat, low calorie menu that I like. I try to use different menus throughout to keep things varied. At least two or three times a week, I notate that this is a day to take a brisk, thirty minute morning walk in the cool air. On other days you might add an after dinner stroll with the kids. A great time to enjoy the neighbors Christmas lights! These simple things will almost insure you will not gain weight through the holidays, and allow you to enjoy all those goodies that are in front of you on other occasions without worry. And at least a couple of times I add in a pedicure or manicure for myself. On another day I might pencil in a deep conditioning treatment for my hair. Use your imagination here and add things that make you feel pampered and relaxed! Remember, even though we often don't think so, we can always spare thirty minutes or an hour for ourselves.

Now that I've reminded myself to take care of myself, I'm ready to fill in other days with holiday fun! Such as decorating my bedroom for Christmas, something I wouldn't normally do for myself. On another planned day I make addressing Christmas cards an event, by penciling in when they'll be done, along with a cup of hot chocolate and some Christmas cookies. This is where you also might plan an afternoon for baking Christmas cookies with the kids, and add a new recipe you want to try. Keeping my Christmas party in mind, I mark one day to go shopping for it when the stores will be least crowded and I'm able to take my time and find bargains. Use your imagination here also to add a new, fun, holiday event that doesn't cost much. It might just become a family tradition!

Now I'm ready to make my scrapbook beautiful and a joy to go to each day! This is where the magazines come in. I find great, colored Christmas pictures to add to each page...you know the ones that make you say, "isn't that beautiful!". On a day where I penciled in a walk, I might add a lovely picture of an outdoor winter day. They don't all have to be strictly holiday pictures, but something suited to the theme of the day. Not strictly a scrapbooker myself, I'm sure many of you out there will be able to make yours absolutely gorgeous!

Now all you have to do is open your scrapbook every day during this year's holiday season. Read all those promises you made to yourself, and be sure to carry through on them. I know this sounds way to simple to make any real difference, but try it and you might find at the end of this year's holiday season, it was the very best one you've ever had!