Take one look at the list of issues commonly shared by adults with AD/HD and it is easy to see why the holidays present a particular challenge for those of us still working on the issue of creating control in our lives (and aren't we always?)
Winter clothes, finding and setting up decorations, shopping and deciding what to buy. It can be a very busy time, so it pays to take the time to make a plan.
Below, our "Holiday Plan in November" helps you get ahead of the holiday rush!
No matter what the occasion, the first rule of thumb is to use one place to write down all of your upcoming events. Remember to write in any specifics:
Time to be there, formal or informal dress, who you are meeting, any gifts to bring, and directions to get there.
If you need to prepare any items, write them in a few days previous to the event to remind yourself.
Create a Holiday Project Plan that balances the cost of your events/gifts over the next several weeks. If you usually feel financially drained in January and February, take the time now to decide just how financially drained you are willing to be.
November:
Buy Holiday Cards, stamps and if you don't already have a "Master Address List", you will have the time to ask people for their addresses before December.
"Gift Giving List"
List any parties you will be attending (work/family/friends)
Be prepared for the unexpected by including a few small generic
gifts in case you need them last minute.
Decide how much you can comfortably afford to spend as a total for this list and jot down any specific interests/gifts that come to mind instantly. You now have enough time to ask questions and find out what items will really be useful to each person. Limit impulse purchases and financial stress by deciding what you will buy before entering a store.
November is also a good time to take yard decorations out of storage and check for any missing bulbs/electrical issues.
On-line purchases should be made by the end of November to allow time for shipping and wrapping.
If you are mailing gifts, buy them in November and mail them by the first week of December to avoid the rush.
Having these items done in November helps keep the December rush to a minimum and frees up your time for enjoying the holidays.
Happy Holidays from lifelifters.com Step-by-Step Systems for Life
with ADD/ADHD
