How To Survive the Holidays in 3 Easy Steps. Plus, a Giveaway to Help Pay Your #HolidayBills!

    by   SheSpeaksTeam   

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Nov 16, 2016

Just thinking about holiday cooking and shopping was stressing us out. Luckily, a couple of weeks ago, we asked you for your favorite holiday #SurvivalTips and as usual, you did not disasapoint. We read through them all, and figured out an easy Three-Step Plan to get us through to January 2.

Since you were so forthcoming with your assistance, we decided to pay it back. Enter our giveaway, and a lucky winner will receive $150 to help pay off some holiday bills!

Step 1: Plan early

That goes for cooking... "Plan plan plan ahead. I make the desserts ahead of time and put in the freezer. I also do slow cooker mashed potatoes, and make the turkey the day before, slice, and put it in gravy. On turkey day I heat everything up. I can visit and relax with my guests." - apeski

And shopping... "The best advice is that you can never start Christmas shopping too early. If you see items at good prices in September, scoop them up and that is one less present you have to buy." - sweetlee

Step 2: Don't Go It Alone

When friends or family offer to help, say yes... "Don't be afraid to accept their help when they offer. Some of my favorite conversations have taken place while doing dishes with my grandmother and aunts!" - MomOnTheEdge

And if they aren't offering, ask them... "Do not kill yourself trying to make a whole Thanksgiving (or Christmas) meal on your own, even if you are the hostess. Ask others to bring the side dishes and you won't be stuck in the kitchen the whole day." - Neyephe

Step 3: Treat Yourself Right

Give yourself a time out... "Always be sure to take care of yourself; eat healthfully, sleep soundly, and take time to do the things that make you feel best, whether it is reading a book, going for a bike ride, or lounging around watching your favorite TV show!" - stylinstar53

Get outside... "Best holiday survival tip: Take a walk!! Stressful family visit? Take a walk. Fussy, overstimulated kids? Take them for a walk. Ate too much at a holiday meal? Take a walk. First holiday without a loved one? Take a walk. Fresh air + nature + movement = stress zapper!!" - aneube

And when all else fails... "My holiday survival go to is a lot of chocolate and red wine. This chocolate and wine combo saves me from the stresses of the holiday season. It helps alleviate all the chaos from dinner parties, holiday shopping and the in-laws. I don't think I would survive without my wine and chocolate. " - Amanda5683

Luckily, there are so many wonderful things about the holiday season. What is your favorite? Tell us and you'll be entered for the chance to win $150 to help with your holiday bills!

There are two ways to enter:

Simply comment below and tell us what you love about the holidays.

AND/OR

Tweet about the giveaway!

Click here to Tweet: "Learned how to survive the holidays + entered a #HolidayBills giveaway, thx to @SheSpeaksUp! bit.ly/2fp91Pn

*One lucky commenter or Tweeter will be chosen at random to receive $150 through PayPal, or in the form of a Visa or Amazon gift card (winner's choice.) Giveaway is open through December 4th, 2016 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email.

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by pmencin | MASSILLON, OH
Nov 16, 2016

What I love most about the holidays is the music -- traditional hymns, new funky holiday songs, etc. And the Christmas lights! My husband puts up a beautiful, eye-popping display in our yard that I love to see. And I love the compliments from neighbors and passerbys.

by 5zamoras | AURORA, CO
Nov 16, 2016

These tips are super helpful! Now I can sit back and enjoy the season with my family....doing what we love most...WATCHING CHRISTMAS MOVIES!!!!

by Cwhite2290 | SHEFFIELD VLG, OH
Nov 16, 2016

I love the holidays because it never fails that something happens to my family's house. Last year, the supump stopped working ; year before that the entire basement flooded causing thousands of dollars worth of damage; year before that we had a hurricane Coke through and tear part of our roof off and up root trees. It's always something to remember and talk about, bringing the family together, having a good meal and seeing what God will throw at us next.

by kathydc529 | MANCHESTER, MI
Nov 16, 2016

I keep it simple! Nothing elaborate. It's the people that you are with that makes the holidays special. Good food, simple decorations. This year my grandson is now one! That is what will be special for me, seeing the holidays through his eyes.

by Beckybo | Saint Louis, MO
Nov 16, 2016

I love to actually spend time thinking about my close family members and friends and looking for things/events they would love! And food...I LOVE the food!

by smorgan | BROOKLYN, NY
Nov 16, 2016

I love seeing my family on the holidays, and eating good food!

by Euphoria | FLUSHING, NY
Nov 16, 2016

tweeted :D

by jlritter68 | Leipsic, OH
Nov 16, 2016

Honestly, what I love about the holidays is my time off from work! I work at a school and get the same days off the students do. I get up at 5 every day to get my son off to his vocational school.

by mbecklund55 | Sanford, ME
Nov 16, 2016

I get to go home to Maine and spend time with my family and see snow!

by buzymum | MADISON, WI
Nov 16, 2016

I love that the holidays remind me to pause and draw close to family; to think about all my blessings and help others who are less fortunate.

by wizardewu | SHUTESBURY, MA
Nov 16, 2016

Th holidays are a time I get to see family and friends that I haven't seen the rest of the year.

by azsurferchica | Tucson, AZ
Nov 16, 2016

Holiday season in my house is also birthday season! My oldest daughter's birthday is right around Thanksgiving, my middle daughter is the day after Christmas and my husband is right smack in the middle. I'm also due with #4 Jan 3rd, we'll see! It's such a fun and busy time of year for us! I absolutely love it!

by heavensent1988 | HYANNIS, MA
Nov 16, 2016

i love the feeling of cheer and being with family

by lughead13 | SCHWENKSVILLE, PA
Nov 16, 2016

The holidays are a great time to spend with family and friends.

by camillawilson | CRANDALL, GA
Nov 16, 2016

Being with family and my granddaughters!

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