School-Age Children

Parents' Plan for Stress-Free Holidays

by Kimberly L. Keith

for About.com

Keep your holiday planning book with you all the time.
Secretly jot down ideas for gifts when your children see something they like. If you get a great idea for a gift but can't buy it yet, write it down so you won't forget!
With everything written down, you can put the book aside to plan and enjoy your Thanksgiving traditions.
Shopping starts to get serious. When you make your purchases, immediately write them down in your planning book. You might want to write down where you hide your early purchases to avoid panic on Christmas Eve.
Some toys are already hard to find. Super shoppers I know check the toy, discount, and department stores early in the day for new shipments of hot toys.
Check the condition of your holiday decorations. Purchase new decorating supplies to fill in the gaps and add new zip to your holiday look.
Make a trip to your favorite warehouse club to stock up on bulk supplies for holiday cooking. Make a list before you go, and take a friend or two to share some items.

Katherine Lee
Child Parenting Guide

Browse All About.com