Charles Dickens
I've been reading a lot about Karma. It makes sense to me that we are put on this earth to learn a lesson and that we choose the souls who are here to support us and see us through the pains of figuring out what it is we need to learn. So, when I read this quote, I knew it was the right one for today. I'm learning that the real meaning of the holidays has nothing to do with what advertisers wish us to believe. The real meaning, no matter what your religious proclivity, is peace, love, and giving. Giving has nothing to do with spending money. It has to do with mercy and grace.
I've been struggling with many things the past few weeks. You know about my health issues that I share here, but I'm also challenged by the choices I make about who to allow in my life. Mercy and grace are about second chances and unconditional love. I'm trying to figure out what this means to me and what is right and true. I truly have not figured this out. To be honest, I may never figure it out. All I know is that I seem to make the same mistakes over and over again in this life. God, help me to learn the lessons I need to learn so that I don't have to come back and repeat these same challenges, because I have to tell you, they are tough, and I am tired.
My hope is that one of the lessons I am supposed to be learning is that no matter what time of year it is, I am living a life that I can be proud of. I will show the people I love that I care for them all year long not just one month out of the year. I will have joy and be festive all year long not just one month out of the year. I will make time for my family all year long not just one month out of the year. I will give of myself all year long not just one month out of the year. I will feed my spirit all year long not just one month out of the year. I will make decisions that lift me up, because I am worth it.
OK. Enough about me. Let's get to today's tip.
Set deadlines.
Google calendar is a great way to keep track of dates for parties and get togethers or utilize your smart phone app. In the midst of this holiday season, I also have to keep track of all my doctor appointments. My calendar is a godsend.
Make sure you know how far in advance you can or should make dishes that you are cooking. Add this information to your calendar.
Know when you will be meeting with friends and loved ones who don't live in your home so that you wrap gifts in time. Pick out outfits in advance so that you don't have to stress about what to wear.
Make sure you know how much time you have to ship gifts or how long it will take to get packages you've ordered online.
Here's a guide that might help.
UPS
- Mon., December 15: Last day to ship using UPS Ground, UPS 3 Day Select
- Mon., December. 22: Last day to ship using UPS 2nd Day Air
- Tues., December. 23: Last day to ship via UPS Next Day Air
- For more information, visit UPS 2014 Year-End Holiday Schedule
U.S. Postal Service
- Mon., December 15: Last day to ship using standard parcel post
- Sat., December 20: Last day to ship using First Class Mail & Priority Mail
- Tues. December 23: Last day to ship using Priority Mail Express
- Priority Mail Express money-back guarantee is suspended for shipments mailed Dec. 22-25
FedEx
- Fri., December 12: Last day to ship for customers that have a regularly scheduled FedEx SmartPost pickup or who drop off packages to a staffed FedEx location.
- Mon., December 15: Last day to ship using FedEx SmartPost for customers that use a third-party service or drop-ship directly to a FedEx SmartPost hub.
- Wed., December 17: Last day to ship using FedEx Ground if you have a regular scheduled pickup or you drop off shipments at a staffed FedEx location. Last day for FedEx Home Delivery.
- Sat., December 20: Last day to ship using FedEx Express Saver
- Mon., December 22: Last day to ship using FedEx 2Day and FedEx 2Day A.M.
- Tues., December 23: Last day to ship using FedEx Standard Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, and FedEx First Overnight
- Thur., December 25: Last day to ship using FedEx SameDay
- For more information, visit FedEx Holiday Shipping 2014 .
Amazon.com
Standard shipping: Dec. 18 (Free shipping items)
Premium shipping: Dec. 19 (Non-free shipping items)
Two-Day Shipping: Dec. 22
One-Day Shipping/Express Shipping: Dec. 23
Kohl's
Standard shipping: 11 p.m. (CST) on Dec. 20
Premium shipping: 11 p.m. (CST) Dec. 21 (Priority Ship)
Macy's
Standard shipping: 5 p.m. Dec. 22
Premium shipping: 5 p.m. Dec. 22
Two-Day Shipping: 12 p.m. Dec. 23
Hope this helps. Stay calm and party on, my peeps.