Holiday Prep 101

MISSION, KS--(Marketwired - Nov 21, 2013) - (Family Features) From hectic trips to the shopping mall to the costly expenses of gift giving, the holidays can bring about many frustrations. With a little bit of organization you'll be ready to take on the holidays and enjoy the spirit of the season.

The many expectations of the holidays can make even the most laid-back people a bit stressed out. This year, face the festivities with a few tips to help you keep things in control, giving you extra time to sit back and enjoy this special time with family and friends.

Here are a few tips for a carefree, relaxed holiday:

Organize your spending budget
Holiday expenses can pile up fast, especially if you haven't set a budget for gifts. Though it may be too late to set aside a monthly allotment for your big shopping bonanza, it's important to sit down with your family to come up with a number that won't set your finances back well into the new year.

Stock up on essentials
Avoid the hectic, last-minute rush by ensuring you have plenty of holiday essentials on hand. Some must-have items include holiday cards, stamps, gift wrapping supplies, and, perhaps the most important of items, batteries. Look for long lasting types, such as Energizer_® Ultimate Lithium batteries, which are ideal for pairing with high drain devices like digital cameras, GPS devices and video game controllers. These high performing batteries are the world's longest lasting AA and AAA batteries in high-tech devices and now hold power for up to 20 years when not in use. For more information, visit www.energizer.com.

Clear some space
With the many gifts you're soon to receive, getting rid of old, unused clothing and household items is a great idea for clearing out clutter. Figure out what you haven't used and donate it to charity or someone else who will put it to good use.

Check it twice
After you've made a list of all the family and friends you need to buy presents for, look over it again to ensure you haven't missed anyone or any additional items. For instance, if purchasing popular gifts, like children's toys and flashlights, be sure to also include a set of batteries, such as Energizer_® Max_® batteries. These batteries have a shelf life of 10 years. They hold power so you always have it when you need it most.

Compare before you buy
Check online for the best deals on high-end items, such as electronics and jewelry. Though this process may be a little time consuming, it can save you big bucks.

Whether you're afraid of over-extending your finances or you just need a little direction for clearing the pre-holiday clutter, use this list to help keep your life in order during this busy season.

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate
This and other food and lifestyle content can be found at www.editors.familyfeatures.com. Family Features is a leading provider of free food and lifestyle content for use in print and online publications. Register with no obligation to access a variety of formatted and unformatted features, accompanying photos, and automatically updating Web content solutions.