An Excerpt from The Survival Guide for Working Moms (and Other Stressed-Out Adults)

Published Sunday, November 01, 2009 12:15 AM

  

Help for the Holidays
As if working moms aren’t busy enough

Holidays may be filled with glitter and joy, but the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day can also be a very chaotic, stressful time. The following tips will help you navigate the holiday whirlwind and keep you off the "naughty" list.

Watch your spending
With all the emphasis on shopping for the holidays, it may be hard to stick to your budget or resist the shiny, new toys that come onto the market at this time. To guard yourself against excessive spending, remember that the spirit of giving has to do with showing people you care, not showering everyone with expensive gifts. First ask yourself, "What bills need to be paid?" and "How much can I afford to spend this year on gifts?"

Think before you shop
Don’t go into a store (or online) without knowing what you want to buy. Create a list of gift ideas and figure out exactly who you will buy gifts for and how much you can afford to spend on each gift. Keep the list in your wallet, stick with your plan, and stay within your budget for each gift.

To read more, get a FREE copy of our book, "The Survival Guide for Working Moms (and Other Stressed-Out Adults)," by Diana Zuckerman, Ph.D. and Brandel France de Bravo, M.P.H.  

* While quantities last. Premiums subject to availability. A substitution of equal or greater value may be made. 

About the authors
Diana Zuckerman, Ph.D. is the President of the National Research Center for Women & Families, a research and education charity that provides free health and safety information and works to improve policies and programs that improve the health of women, children and families. Brandel France de Bravo is the Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the National Research Center for Women & Families. For useful information about health issues that affect your family and for more information about the National Research Center for Women & Families, visit http://www.center4research.org/