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The 12 steps to a stressless Christmas

Christmas and the New Year are probably the most stressful and hectic times in your home – and it is very easy to be caught up in the fever of getting everything completed. However, with a little planning and a little help you can take the stress of the holidays.

 

1st step - Relaxation in the home is an integral part of surviving the holiday season gracefully. Take some time to relax every day – no matter how busy you are, take some time to do something YOU enjoy, even if it means the dishes go undone, or the washing gets behind.

 

2nd step – If you are going away and worried about leaving a house full of new Christmas presents why not use DIAL-AN-ANGEL Caretaking services. Our caretaking service can include watering plants, collecting the mail, sweeping paths and patio areas, maintaining cleanliness and tidiness both inside and outside the home, turning lights on and off and generally maintaining a 'presence' in your home. So you really can get away without a care in the world.

 

3rd Step – Left it too late to get your pets into holiday care? Or worried about leaving them in a strange environment? Our Angels delight in taking care of your pets in the comfort of their own surroundings as lovingly as they would their own. Your pets can remain in their own environment with the same grooming, feeding, care and exercise routines you normally provide for them. Combine the caretaking and the pet care for complete peace of mind.

 

4th step - Spring clean those old toys BEFORE spring – if you can, take a day or two to throw out any old toys that your children have – no kids? Throw out some old things of your own. Not only will it make room for the new, but it will give you a renewed sense of what you have and what you need.

 

5th step – Christmas and New Year Parties can be as laid-back or as lavish as you like. Do not underestimate the power of potluck – guests love to feel like they are contributing to a meal. Also, keep a stash of food on hand for latecomers or unannounced guests. But if entertaining is not your thing or the party requires a little extra then remember DIAL-AN-ANGEL party help can provide everything from cooks through to dishwashers and drinks waiters.

 

6th step - Volunteer to help someone in need and it can relieve your holiday stress and help you ward off the holiday blues that sometimes seep in this time of year. Particularly during the holidays, opportunities abound. Just look in your local paper or visit SEEK Volunteer.

 

7th step – If home and garden maintenance has got on top on you, do not despair. DIAL-AN-ANGEL provides a full range of home and garden maintenance services to get your home ready for guests, family, friends and to take a load off you! We can do your lawns, an overdue spring clean, or just make the house sparkle.

 

8th step – Worried about what to do with your children over summer holidays, have your childcare plans fallen apart, or do you need to work a few extra days to make ends meet at Christmas? Don’t worry, our childcare and Nanny services have you covered and you can rely on us to be there every time you need us. There is even an option to share a nanny.

 

9th step – Not sure what to get friends or family and running out of time? DIAL-AN-ANGEL Gift Vouchers are an ideal gift. Gift Vouchers also provide great incentives for staff as Christmas gifts. Vouchers can be redeemed for any of the services that DIAL AN ANGEL provides such as housekeeping & cleaning, home & garden maintenance, childcare & babysitting, nannies, in-home nursing, aged care, pet care and caretaking. They can be for a specific service or for a dollar amount. Everyone appreciates a little extra help in the holidays.

 

10th step – Do you have a pile of things to do and no time to do them? Do you wish to have more balance in your life? Do you want to start the New Year with a clean slate? If the answer is yes, then DIAL-AN-ANGEL Concierge Services are here to help. Experienced, professional Angels are able to take care of all those irritating little things (and even the big things) you are unable to get around to doing.

 

11th step - Typical responses to the emotional overload of the holiday rush are overeating, over drinking and generally overdoing. Keep everything in moderation and your body will thank you. Hippocrates said ‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food’ and he was the Father of Medicine.

 

12th step - Have fun! Remember it does not have to be perfect. If you are having a family gathering and you know that some people do not see eye to eye, be realistic and minimise conflict. Try not to put pressure on yourself to keep everyone happy. Christmas is for everyone and that includes you!