If you’re like me, the holidays are not just about the joy of the season. They’re about making batches of cookies, trying to untangle last years Christmas lights before giving up and buying a new set yet again coupled with planning Christmas dinner and frantic sessions at the mall shopping leaving you quite frazzled and stressed and little if anytime for beauty.

Here a few tips to de-stress, stay beautiful and have everything done in a mere 12 days.

Day 1

Plan
Everything should have a plan take a day and plan out what you need to do. Before you sit down take the opportunity to give yourself a relaxing facial mask.
Make a list of what you need to bake and the ingredients needed (best to choose easy recipes like sugar cookies & biscotti).
Search for recipes for Christmas dinner.
Make lists of who you need to buy gifts for.

Day 2
Call your hairstylist and beg for an appointment prior to Christmas hopefully this will fall between days 7-13
Put up your tree-not the lights we’re trying to avoid stress remember?
Buy the ingredients for what you need to bake
De-stress by taking an Epsom salt bath to relax your already tensing muscles

Day 3
Put the lights on your tree
Think of what to get people on your gift list (Write these down)
Apply a thick night cream to your feet before going to bed to soften your feet up

Day 4
Decorate your tree-This works best if you play holiday music at the same time
Make it a point to purchase at least 1 item on your gift list; it’ll help you feel like you’ve accomplished something. While you’re at it buy something for yourself-you’re worth it.

Day 5
Dough time-we need to get this one out of the way so we can then turn the focus to our hands
Prepare all your batches of cookies (no more than 5-trust me on this one). Store in your refrigerator for future use.
You’re starting to feel stressed again. Relax by ending your evening with a soothing lavender bath.

Day 6
Congratulations! We're half way through the madness and only another 6 more days to go!

Baking time-today you bake all the batches. This way you can store them all in the freezer.
Once you’re done, make some hot cocoa and relax. Indulge in a cookie or too because you have a busy day tomorrow.

This day can also be swapped with Day 8.

Day 7
Shopping-Armed with your list head to the mall & pick up the gifts required. For those hard to please or when you reach the point of “I'll buy anything” purchase a gift card instead.

A good way to avoid the line-ups is too take advantage of many stores extended hours. It's a rare occasion that I've had to wait in a line-up.
After that frantic mess-Thank god it’s over. Soak your feet to soften them up and give yourself a mini-pedicure. By mini, I mean all you do this time, is soak, exfoliate and file. Leave the polish for another day when you’re clear headed.

Day 8
Take today for yourself. Give yourself a manicure. Light some candles and let Calgon take you away! (I love baths, I find them calming)

Day 9
All you need to do today is wrap up the gifts you bought Day 7. I know as you read this you realize you have no clue where the tape is and you’re out of wrapping paper. Have no fear – I’ve used everything from newspapers & duct tape to wrap gifts. It shows off my creative side. However if you can’t bear the thought of doing this, Use this day to go out & buy your tape and wrapping paper. While you’re at it indulge in new lipstick-Buy it in a smashing red color if you haven’t already.

Day 10
Hair appointment (this is only if you begged pleading and bribed your hairstylist)
If you prefer to do it at home, grab yourself box color, I prefer the L’Oreal Brand. They are fantastic!
Oh no! Stocking stuffers! Don’t worry that’s what dollar & discount stores are for. Remember it’s not about the gift-it’s the thought so for the adults on your list buy some goodies like gum and hand sanitizer. These are things that are useful that most people forget to buy.

Day 11
Shopping- Yup what we women once look forward to any other time of the year we look forward to with dread.

This time it’s too buy your items for Christmas dinner. Best bet to beat the line-ups at the grocery store either go very early or very late. Earlier is better, you have more choice.

Last face mask before Christmas. Use one appropriate for your skin type.

Day 12
You’ve made it!! Twelve days and you’re done. So today is all about pampering you.

Another bath is in order. Exfoliate your entire body by added 2 cups powdered milk to your bath water. Cleopatra was famous for her milk baths. It’ll leave your skin soft and supple.
Follow up with a body moisturizer.
Now is the time to give yourself the complete pedicure you’ve been putting off. Paint your toes in a lavish red color such as Revlon’s Limited Edition Scarlett Letter. While you’re at it do your nails as well.

There you have it. Now your ready to face the holidays with some sense of peace and calmness.

Happy Holidays!