Completely overwhelmed with how quickly the holidays are approaching? All the stuff you have to do? The money you have to spend?

How are you combating the stress?

Yes, all of the stuff that I have to do is totally getting to me. I want to make sure that the holidays are fun and festive.

Combatting the stress? Well, just doing as much as I can.

Yes. Dh is not working very steady hours and it's all i can do to make sure the regular bills are consistantly paid up without having to worry about how i'm going to come up with extra money to afford Christmas gifts for everyone.I'm sure we will manage, but it's still a big worry for me.
Unfortunately to combat the stress, i'm eating more! I do try to escape thru reading or just get lost in cleaning or organizing the house.Sometimes a long walk with my MP3 player helps too.

__________________
"Go on, get outside, get the stink blown off ya!!"

I get online and try to find as many ways as I can to save money when I do make purchases and new ideas to reuse what we have. I talk with friends before buying or getting rid of things. Many times I can make a fair trade.

Meet up with friends for a cookie and idea swap. Maybe they are great at one craft project and you at another. You can make make plans to trade with each other. Sometimes just having someone to relax and chat with helps ease the stress. Otherwise a quiet soak in the tub with soothing music can work wonders.

I'm definitely overwhelmed, and ready to settle down for the season! Haven't figured out how to deal with the stress though, I'm just taking it one day at a time.

Ds and I are making a lot of gifts this year, so every other weekend I'm trying to get some done. At least that way I won't have everything to do at the end of December!

__________________

I'm a little freaked that it will be November in a couple of days. Two of my kids joined a running club, so we have out of town meets on the 7th and 14th and possible the 21st. I've got my in-laws coming out the 14th for a few days. I think I'm way more worried about November than December. We're hosting Christmas, but due to a lot of family drama (overly selfish SIL with entitlement issues) I have a feeling the MIL will cancel coming to visit to stay with her precious daughter who has hurt feelings, so Christmas should be nice and quiet.

I have zero interest this year. I already dumped Tgiving on my sister - thankfully. We have to go to Florida the day after Xmas to see my father. I don't want to drag all the stuff out even though it's so lovely when done. I'm not even looking forward to cookie day this year because of this stupid rash I can't get rid of. And if I'm still on a gluten-free diet by then, I won't even get to eat them...

__________________

I am more in the Xmas spirit and Thanksgiving mood, than ever before.

I guess because, with all of my health problems, I have come to realize that I am truly Blessed, and lucky in so many ways.

And therefore, I am going to enjoy every holiday, even if it kills me

I get stressed as well but it's because the girls's birthdays are in November and December as well.

I shop throughout the year so I'm not overly concerned about money for presents. There isn't much more I have to buy.

I'm conquering my youngest birthday party now. Going to get invites out tomorrow.

I'm a list maker and that helps me feel organized and less stressed.

Oh my this sounds like my SIL and MIL. My MIL will tell us to talk to SIL even if we are not in the mood to talk to anyone. It is ridiculous, it is easy to see the way the person behaves is because they were spoiled as children and remain spoiled.

__________________
Check out my blog for freebies and money saving tips.http://barbainbabymomma.blogspot.com