Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas are fast approaching, and the holiday rush is about to descend on us. Are you ready, Auntie? Or thinking about getting ready?

Holiday Shopping

Book tickets now. Whether it’s plane or train tickets or special holiday performances (or the new Star Wars movie tickets), buy your tickets now.

Make a list and check it twice. List the gifts you need to purchase and your budget for each. If you haven’t already, jot down ideas and the interests of your nieces and nephews. Double-check with their parents to make sure no one is buying duplicates. If your niece or nephew is getting a large gift, such as a laptop, gaming system, or new phone, ask if you could buy accessories or games.

Need ideas? Need some cool ideas for gifts? Check out websites, such as Savvy Auntie’s gift list, A Mighty Girl, 100 Great Children’s Books from the New York Library, Toys R Us Gifts by Age List, and Real Simple’s Creative Gifts for Tweens and Teen-agers.

Holiday Self-Care

Beauty appointments. Schedule hair and nail appointments you need for the holiday season now to avoid rushes and filled bookings.

Schedule dates with friends. Instead of exchanging gifts, take a breather and spend time with your friends. Have a lovely lunch or dinner or perhaps a cozy tea. Spending quality time with people you like is a great way to de-stress over the busyness of the season.

Have boundaries. This time of year can stretch you pretty thin, and it can feel like everyone wants a little piece of you. Know when to say no and say it guilt-free. It’s okay to politely decline a party invite or say, “I already have charities I donate to.”

Holiday Safety

The holidays are full of cheer and goodwill, but the season is an invitation for Scrooges to ruin your fun. Here are a few tips to avoid becoming a crime victim:

•    When shopping, place all of your bags in the trunk of your car.
•    When ordering online, have packages delivered to your office if possible or another location where they won’t be sitting on your doorstep. Use the Slice app to track packages.
•    Use one card to order online gifts. It’s easier to track your purchases and any potential fraud.
•    If you’re ordering online for delivery elsewhere, let those know on the other side that a package is coming and send them the tracking number.
•    When walking with bags, pay attention to your surroundings and stay off your phone. Distracted people are great targets for thieves.

A little preparation will help you and the important people in your life to have a great holiday season.

Photo: Wavebreak Media Ltd
Published: November 24, 2015