Denver Catholic

B8 I CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE NOVEMBER 20, 2013 I DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER Give yourself the gift of time BY LISA M. PETSCHE plans and start necessary preparations well in advance. Make lists to stay organized. If you plan to have guests and your finances allow, arrange a housecleaning or a catered meal (or both). Some other ideas: make it a potluck event or, better yet, ask someone else to host the big family feast. Invite friends over for dessert instead of a meal, and don't hesitate to buy from a bakery. For Christmas gift giving, purchase gift cards; many kinds are available online as well as on display at grocery stores and drug stores, among other places. If you buy gifts at the mall, take advantage of the gift wrapping service, typically operated by a local charity. People who care for loved ones typically have a multitude of responsibilities. There don't seem to be enough hours in the day to get everything done, let alone spend time with other important people in their life and tend to their own needs. It's not surprising that the gift caregivers value most is the gift of time: time to attend to their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs to help keep the inherent stress of caregiving manageable. If you're a caregiver, whether for a family or a beloved senior, consider personal time a need, not a luxury, and resolve to make it an ongoing gift to yourself. Don't wait for New Year's Day to get started. Read on for suggestions on Year-round tips how to free up some time and Here are some time-saving energy for self-care. ideas you can use throughout the year. Curb perfectionism. Not evHoliday time-saving tips Set realistic expectations and erything needs to be done to a be prepared to alter traditions. high standard; take housework Keep it simple and let relatives and yard maintenance, for and friends know your needs example. Set a time limit for and limitations. Decide what is chores if necessary. Establish and stick to priorireally important, focus on that ties, so you don't waste time or and forget the rest. Whatever tasks you decide to energy on unimportant things. Accept offers of help and ask take on, ask for help and delegate responsibilities. Make other family members to share have one. Internet access can help you stay connected to loved ones. You can also connect with other caregivers through Internet message boards and chat rooms. PHOTO BY GOODSHOOT/GETTY A MOTHER and children decorate a Christmas tree. To destress Christmas preparation, simplify, decide what's really important and let go of the rest. the load. Be specific about what you need. Pay for help if you can afford it—for example, a dog walker, housecleaning service, grounds keeping service, handyman or accountant. Get a portable phone so you can multi-task while conversing, and an answering machine to screen calls. Hire a professional organizer if you're overwhelmed by paper or clutter. Get a computer if you don't Take advantage of stores and other services that offer home delivery. Research mobile services in your area, such as hairdressing, dog grooming, car washing and automobile servicing. Consolidate errands and Housekeeping and meal avoid peak use times of the preparation Concentrate cleaning and ti- day, week and month when dying efforts on the rooms that visiting stores, banks and government offices. are used the most. Collect recipes for one-dish meals, such as casseroles, Care for your relative Investigate community restews, stir fries and main course spite services, such as friendly salads. Cook double batches of reci- visiting, adult day care propes and freeze half for later use. grams and residential facilities Keep a supply of heat-and- that offer short-term care. Also look into volunteer driver proserve entrees in the freezer. Buy convenience foods that grams and accessible transporreduce preparation time: pack- tation services that can free you aged salads, shredded cheese, up from chauffeuring duties. frozen mixed vegetables and Information on these and other boneless chicken breasts, for resources can be obtained from the local office on aging. example. If finances permit, hire a Order takeout periodically. Just ensure choices are healthy. companion or personal support worker for your relative so you can regularly get out to Financial management Arrange with the bank for di- some type of leisure activity. rect deposit of pension and oth- Let loved ones know that a gift er checks and automatic with- certificate to a home healthcare agency or an IOU for redrawal of regular bills. spite care would be welcomed If you have a computer, sign for Christmas and other speup for online banking so you cial occasions. can pay bills, transfer money Lisa M. Petsche is a social and check balances from home. worker and a freelance writer specializing infamily life. She Shopping and errands has personal and professional Shop by mail order whenevexperience with elder care. er possible. Hurry to Get Your Tickets Now! Michael Martin Murphey's Cowboy Christmas ball Sat., Nov. 23, 7:30pm See the complete lineup online and get your tickets today! Sun., Nov. 24, 2pm ucstars.com 970.356.5000 • 701 10th Ave., Greeley season sponsors: The City of Greeley proudly owns and operates the UCCC media sponsor: accommodations provided by:

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