Stress-Free Celebrations

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
June 28, 2017 by 3 Comments

 

Stress-free celebration

 

Regardless of the holiday you’re celebrating, there’s always a certain amount of stress to go with it. There’s no magic wand to make that disappear, but some thinking ahead can go a long way. Here’s what Felice has to say …

 

Is stress-free enough? Every year, I dream of a stress-free celebrations. I’ve created seminars on the topic for my Thanksgiving and Holiday Expo, I’ve drilled down to the things that really bother me during the holiday, and I plan ahead. Throughout the year, I keep an eye out for holiday bargains that won’t break my budget. But I’ve realized that during the holidays, there is going to be some measure of stress that just can’t be avoided. The strategies below keep me sane: enjoy this list from my Stress-Free Seminar.

Which one of these things can you implement in your holiday planning?

  • Plans with Prayer
    • Make a Plan
    • Plan to Break It
    • Cross Out
    • Add To
    • Discuss
  • Adult Privileges
    • Just Say No!
  • Exceptions:
    • Brings you peace and joy
    • You want to do it
    • You are obligated
  • Mommy Time Out
    • Meditations
    • Focus – 60 seconds
    • Praise music
  • Revive Your Soul
    • Music
    • Reading
    • Praying
    • DO the ONE thing
  • Gift Giving  –card wrap
    • Time
    • Creativity
    • Exchange
    • Encouragement
  • Back Up Plan
      • You aren’t in control
      • Take out the List and cross out
      • Enlist help
      • Regroup
    • The Reason for the Season
      • CHRISTmas (or THANKSgiving)
      • Attitude Check
        • Expectations – yours?
        • Expectations – family?
        • Others WORSE off
  • Permission Granted
    • Neck rub
    • Foot soak
    • Hand massage
    • Family snuggles
    • Eat chocolate or cookies!
  • Affirmations
    • You are loved
    • You are a child of God
    • You are special
    • You are unique
    • You are treasured

 

Regardless of the holiday (or holy day), with a little advanced planning you can make your celebrations more stress-free.

How do you plan to avoid stress during family celebrations? I’d love to hear from you!

Felice Gerwitz is a wife, mother and author who strives to keep stress out of her life — but knows that only with GOD are all things possible! Here is a handout she hopes you enjoy: Vintage Handouts Stress Free Holidays

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Is Jesus the Reason for the Season

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
December 2, 2013 by 2 Comments

Jesus is the reasonWhat is the reason for your season?

I can think of so many words that sum up this time of year, see if you can relate to any of these:

  • Stress
  • Harried
  • Busy
  • Rushed
  • Overwhelmed
  • Exhausted
  • Over-commited

Can you relate? Most of us are wives, mothers as well as homeschoolers and these days something has to go in our efforts to be jolly and happy and shop or make gifts for family and friends. And, for me this causes extreme stress which means I don’t do well with the day-to-day to-do lists. In other words I keep forgetting things! My daughter with her five little ones recently shared with me that during the pre-Thanksgiving week she forgot to return library book, pay bills or even {gasp!} do laundry! We both laughed because I knew better. In fact, I returned all our library book early because I knew I would forget to return them!

So what to do?

1. Listen to the audio by Meredith & Felice – https://www.ultimateradioshow.com/jesus-is-the-reason

2. Plan ahead – be sure that whatever you need to get done do early if at all possible

3. Remember the real reason for the Season – if need be print out the poster and read it daily (see post above with the audio with Meredith and Felice for this handout)

4. Institute some type of family tradition – whether it is celebrating Advent with an Advent wreath and Bible readings and prayers, or do some type of charitable activity.

More so, make time for family and friends. Things are so transient and as my family ages it hits me more and more. My in laws who would host holiday events, now they walk with a hobble as they come into my home. It reminds me to cherish time with them and my dad who lives with me! And, I so appreciate all of you. You, my online family are very dear to me. I know it sounds strange but it is so true. I’ve gotten to know many of you through the years! Thanks for being here for me!

So, let’s talk about holiday traditions that are JESUS focused. Can you share some with me?

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Holidays + Stress-free = Possible

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
November 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Stress free holidays2

Short Cuts – Hints & Holiday Tips by Felice Gerwitz

How does Felice Gerwitz tirelessly entertain 20+ guests of all ages, use real dishes, cloth tablecloths & napkins with home-made napkin rings, and still remain sane after the last guests have left? With some careful planning, cooking ahead and getting some amazing deals and after holiday sales, Felice pulls off the Martha Steward look year after year.

Learn how to create a wish list and look for deals, bake ahead and freeze, enlist help from your family members and guests, make fresh flower centerpieces that look like you’ve slaved for hours and other tips that Felice has learned during the years. She enjoys baking and entertaining but most of all rejoicing in God and celebrating the special ties between family and friends.

Here is a handout along with a free printable to hang on your wall! Vintage Handouts Stress Free Holidays

 

 

 

 

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