Wow!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it feels like it just snuck up on us
doesn't it?

Maybe it's the warmer temps lately, but feels like we need just a bit more lead time
to get ready!

This is the week we start to hear more of our friends, family members and for us
here at the Twister, more of the folks that listen to us, mention that dreaded
word often heard around the Holidays............ "STRESS!"

I wanted to throw out a challenge for you (AND ME TOO btw), to NOT allow STRESS
to ruin the joy of this Season. For many of us, we just have to remind
ourselves of what makes this that "Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"
from our childhood memories!

The pro's say the number one thing that seems to load us up on stress, pressure and
anxiety is not simply the money but decding what you want to spend on! Food,
Gifts, Travel! Plus many of us see great deals on the things we love when we
are out during the busy shopping season and over spend even before we get to
the actual items on our list for others!

So here are some tips from the experts on how not to do this to yourself
(ourselves)! The only part that really sucks is the whole
"self-control" thing! DANG IT!

They experts say USE CASH: to help from making that
dreaded walk to the mailbox in January, that causes more than financial
challenges, but relationship issues as well!

Ask Yourself WHY: Ask yourself why you want to
buy something – whether it's for yourself or as a gift. You may realize that you're being manipulated into it by advertisements.

Remember, The Gifts People Remember the Longest are Often Free: Think
about what you might give that is free or low cost that would bring as much or
more long-term pleasure. There is a lot to be said about being sentimental! *Yes, I plan on
giving everyone a Fruit Loop Necklace! We'll see how that goes over!

Remind Yourself of Your Goals: This helps you realize
that every time you don't spend money, you're closer to reaching your goals. I sometimes offer myself an incentive like I would my own kids! Sad, but true! lol

And finally, though it sounds strange...

Get enough rest, food in your belly & don't be too last
minute: These too, contribute to overspending believe it or not! Think
about it! When you are tired or hungry, isn't it much more difficult dealing
with other anxious shoppers and bad customer service! Oh and don't get me
started on how this can affect a relationship this time of year, especially
with regards to financial issues! Picture it, you get home and immediately feel
forced to justify your purchases, after a late night of shopping, in one over crowded
store after another, surrounded by bad attitudes, picked over merchandise and
not so much as even one store employee to guide you in your efforts.... To a
guy with holes in his socks, a beer in his hand OR WORSE on a side table with
no coaster, kicked back in a recliner watching the game, while the kids have
completely ransacked the house!  Nice picture eh?

Do you have tips to make the Holidays more of what they should be,
HOLY DAYS, filled with joy and wonder, like it was when we were younger? Would
LOVE to hear them! Post a way and make sure to subscribe and share, because I'm
scouring for some big freebees, cuz WE FREAKIN DESERVE THEM!

You see even just visualize the dude in the recliner, with holey socks, question
our shopping skills, in between burping the alphabet, has me ticked already! I
mean, shouldn't be grateful for our hard-work ladies?! Who else is buying his
mother a better Christmas gift than she would have ever received from her
single son! Ha Ha!

It's the same rational as us waking up and yelling at our spouse because we had
a dream about him with another woman even though he never was! Ah, they LOVE
that one don't they?! 
 
Can't wait to hear from you!