During the holidays, do you race frantically through the malls, credit cards in hand, wondering what to get the folks on your list? Are you soul-weary and depleted of all resources by January 1? Have the holidays become more of a burden than an opportunity for joy and celebration? Would you like this year to be different? Help is at hand.

Let’s establish some new goals for this first holiday season of the new century:

1. Treat Yourself with Respect
   A woman who remembers to care for herself, while tending to the needs of family and friends, is one whose loved ones will not only enjoy the holiday without guilt, but will delight in her company as well.
2. Avoid the January Shock of Bloated Credit Card Bills
   You want to spend a reasonable amount of money in a creative way.
3. Establish a Game Plan
   Come up with a gift-giving strategy you can implement with ease.

Okay. Let’s have some fun! It’s time to get some 8 1/2” x 11” paper and a pencil with a good eraser. I’m going to take you through the 9 Steps to Stress-Free Holiday Giving. Are you ready?