A Merrier Christmas, the Ten Percent Way

Preparing for the holidays is a lot of work. It takes time, energy, and money. But to have a truly successful and fulfilling holiday season, it is important to make some very difficult decisions right away. Where will you spend your time, how much money will you spend, and which of the many tasty treats will become personal indulgences?

Because I am sure you want to have an easier, nicer Christmas, cheer up and prepare with me for a more light-hearted holiday season. It is really very easy. Resolve upon three strategies that will work towards this goal: Plan to spend just 10% less (than last year), decide to do just 10% less (than your usual holiday routine); and finally, resolve to eat just 10% less (than you would like). Now, I didn’t say don’t spend, don’t do, and don’t eat. The holidays are not a “fast,” but most of us could use to have a little more “diet” in our December. This can come quite naturally if you take the “lower calorie” approach.

Spend 10% Less
You might wisely conclude, “I will spend money, but only this much and in this way.” Make up your gift list, set a reasonable financial limit for each gift purchase, and add up the numbers. Now, look again at this same list and downsize your figures just 10%. Instead of $20, plan to spend $18. Instead of doling out $10, plan to spend $9. Instead of using up $5, plan to spend $4.50. Just 10% less will do just fine! As a matter of fact, this slightly lower spending plan, especially if you share your purchasing plan with those you love, will allow your friends and family spend less, too, because the pressure will be off to “keep up” with the precedence of previous years.

Do 10% Less
You could willingly decide, “I will be involved with some activities, parties, and social obligations, but I will remember that saying ‘no’ to some activities is not the end of the world. It is, rather, just choosing between two good activities and deciding which I prefer.” Then, review your calendar and see where you can consolidate some activities into one, where you can bypass some activities in favor of others, and which you will decline this year (so you can still be sane on January 1, 2010). With 31 days in December, this means saving only some three additional days or so from heavy social obligations. It will make all the difference. Remember, when you say no to some activities, you are also saying yes to others.

Eat 10% Less
As you pre-decide about your personal palate preferences, you might indicate, “I will enjoy some eggnog, some cheesecake, and even an extra chocolate or two. But I will not eat as much as I am offered just because I am offered it, nor will I keep all the chocolates out and about on the kitchen counters to torment me. Some yes; all no!”

So, look at this year’s holiday calendar. What can you do to be more creative and less indulgent as you plan your gifts and thus save 10%? How can you be social enough and yet save 10% of your time for more treasured, precious moments of reverence and repose? Which of your many treasured treats will you taste and what 10% will you defer to another, thinner time in your life?

It is in deciding beforehand that makes for a more orderly holiday season. When will you put up the tree and what 10% of the house will you leave undecorated? How can you satisfy those you love with 10% less on the menu than you have prepared before? And how about gift wrapping with a 10% reserve in glitter and gold? And what will you decline to eat so much of in favor of keeping your belt notched at the same place during the next several weeks?

Remember, if you can shift gears downward just 10% you will set the stage for others to be able to relax and enjoy the holidays more, too. So spend less, do less, and eat less. Decide upon your 10% holiday “diet” plan now and hold steady. Some, but not too much. A few, but not too many. A taste, but not the whole piece, thank you very much.

We want to get to 2010 thinner, more rested, and with a few extra dollars to our name! It will make for a merrier Christmas and the likelihood of a more prosperous New Year!

©2009 Marie Calder Ricks/www.houseoforder.com