Happy Holidays,

I am sure everyone is in the swing of the holidays and doesn’t have time to read a newsletter. So here are six tiny thoughts to keep you happy and sane during this magical time….

1. Remember, some gifts should be considered “token gifts” and, as such, should be small enough and of a low enough value that the receiver doesn’t feel obligated to reciprocate.
2. I love this quote from Mary Hunt: “It’s not up to you to find the exactly perfect gift that will fulfill the deepest heart’s desire of your recipient. It’s not your responsibility to become the ultimate mind reader and desire fulfiller. A gift is simply an expression of your fondness for the recipient.”  Yes!!
3. The reason shopping with a list is so important is that you know when to stop. If you don’t have a finish line, or an end, you are going to keep going as long as the stores are open.
4. Family favorites? Ask family members what 2 or 3 things they liked the best about last year’s holiday events. Sometimes the simplest things get the highest rating. You may find out you are knocking yourself out on things no one is really interested in. When I asked my son, he said gifts (predictable) and helping me make chocolate walnut bourbon balls. It was quite the production– and a fun night.
5. For all us single parents—don’t get caught up in one-upmanship with your ex-spouse over gifts. It is your relationship with your kids that matters. They want time with us. (And they want to help us make chocolate walnut bourbon balls.)
6. Holiday mantra to repeat over and over—“I am not June Cleaver”- nor would I want to be! A messy house sure looks great if you dim the lights and plug in the tree. (I can’t be the only one who grew up watching reruns of Leave it to Beaver- after school in the seventies…)

My holiday best to you all,

Mikelann

P.S. If you want to transform your relationship to money next year, please contact me.

Mikelann is a money coach with over 20 years’ experience, helping women escape the money fog, feel more in control of their finances and love their financial life. If you are ready to leave money stress behind and design a life you love, please see www.seattlemoneycoach.com and read about this life changing work.  Once there, grab her free eBook on how to stop worrying about money.