12-05-2023 2:45pm

Happy Holidays - Some Tips for Staying Calm Through the Rush

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK -HAPPY HOLIDAYS - SOME TIPS FOR STAYING CALM THROUGH THE RUSH

The holiday season can be hectic. Just ask anyone who's still working and juggling family. Whew! It can be a lot. But it doesn't have to be overwhelming. This is the most wonderful time of the year.

Like many of you, I still work full-time, and even though I don't have children, I have plenty of siblings and extended family, so my list is long. It's easy to get overwhelmed, but there are ways to stay calm through the rush. Here are my top ten tips:

1. Write a list - You know me and my lists. They are one of the best ways to keep track of what you need and checking them off can be so rewarding. You get the idea.

2. Checkin' it twice - After you write your list, check it twice! There may be someone you missed.

3. Have a budget - You don't want to come out of the holiday season in debt, so have a budget. Having a maximum per person is a great start. This way, you know exactly what you're spending.

4. Space things out - Don't plan to do your holiday shopping all in one day. Space it out. This way, you won't feel overwhelmed. You'll give yourself plenty of time to get it all done.

5. Shop around and use coupons - There are so many places to shop these days. If you're like me, you still like to shop in stores. Shop around! Use coupons! There are lots of deals this time of year.

6. Have fun - Shopping can be exhausting, but it doesn't have to be a drag. Make it fun! Maybe wear a Santa hat or wear festive earrings. Do both! This creates a sense of frivolity.

7. Mix it up - Do something new this year to mix things up. Shop in a new store. You might just find that special gift you've been looking for.

8. Buy something for yourself - I always treat myself to a gift each holiday season. After all, you deserve something, too.

9. Donate - Make sure you don't forget to get a little something for your local toy drive. And while you're at it, pick up some items for your local food drive or place of worship for their food pantry.

10. Be Grateful - Having a sense of gratitude always makes us feel better. Be grateful that you have enough money and energy to shop for those you love who are near and dear to you.

Enjoy the process of shopping during this beautiful season. Relax. Breath. Get some latte. Visit your local shops. It only comes once a year, and whether you've been naughty or nice, you just might receive something to entice you. Happy Holidays!

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, the Christmas season makes us feel young again. P.S. It's my birthday on the 26th. But who's counting.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - FIVE BELOW

My pick of the week is Five Below. This is a discount chain store that has a wide selection of gifts for everyone on your list, and everything is $5.00 and below! Check your local listing at www.fivebelow.com. You'll love this place! Happy shopping!

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SKYLARK'S INSPRIATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What's your favorite part of the holiday season?

Please put your answer in the Reply section below. I'd love to hear from you.

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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISMAS by BING CROSBY

Lyrics

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go
Take a look at the five and ten, it's glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes that glow

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Toys in every store
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door

A pair of hop along boots and a pistol that shoots
Is the wish of Barney and Ben
Dolls that'll talk and will go for a walk
Is the hope of Janice and Jen
And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go
There's a tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well
It's the sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Soon the bells will start
And the thing that'll make 'em ring is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Toys in every store
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door

Sure, it's Christmas once more

About Skylark and How to Follow Me

My brand, Skylark Live, consists of a weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, a monthly vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, and monthly in-person chats called The Skylark Sessions. They are all designed to inspire and motivate women to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness at 60 and beyond. Andiamo! Let's go!

Skylark Live Town News - My weekly newsletter features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. And, I throw in Italian words because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click the link to subscribe: https://skylarklive.town.news

The Skylark Sessions (a work in progress): The Skylark Sessions are in-person chats in a round-table format. There is a new topic for each session. I moderate, but this is an open conversation. I will post the date, time, topic, and location on my social media sites as well as on my Patreon account. There is a $5 cash donation per session. You can RSVP at christineskylark@aol.com.

60 and Beyond with Skylark Vlog - This is my first Monday-of-the month vlog that is inspirational and motivational and is a reflection of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the month and what we've talked about in my Skylark Sessions. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube Channel, as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my Tube Channel link to subscribe:

Support me on Patreon - This is where you can support my brand for $5 a month. This enables me to carve out time to write my newslettters, create my vlogs, and coordinate my Skylark Sessions. Just click the link: Skylark Live | 60 and Beyond with Skylark | Patreon

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Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day.