SURVIVING THE HAPPIEST TIME OF THE YEAR.

11 tips to make the holidays less hectic

   Christmas is coming,
   And panic's setting in!
   Wake me up it's over
   'Cause I don't know where to begin!

Each year we eagerly anticipate Christmas. But there's so much to do to get ready! Decorations. Gifts. Cantatas. Church and school programs. Parties. Pictures. New clothes. Caroling. Baking and cooking. Helping the needy. Family get-togethers. How do you get it all done?

Here are some time, energy, and sanity savers to help you prepare for and enjoy a truly Merry Christmas this year.

1. Make your plans early.

You smart ones did this year's shopping at last year's after-holiday sales. However, even if the rest of us don't get around to it until after Thanksgiving, there's still plenty of time to find some great bargains.

2. Estimate your expenses.

Don't start with a wish list. Instead, begin with a dollar amount that won't put you deeply in debt. List all the people for whom you need to buy gifts. Estimate costs for everything else--cards, tree, extra food, postage, wrappings, decorations, special holiday charitable contributions. Then total the amounts. Now you see what's left to spend on gifts.

3. Refrain from grandiose schemes.

Sure, your 16-year-old would like a computer; your 10-year-old is begging for the hottest video game system. But splurging now may mean financial problems later. Consider gifts that cost little but are much appreciated: a jar of homemade jelly; some of your crafts or needlework; baby-sitting vouchers; offers to drive an elderly neighbor to the store.

4. You must be organized--and realistic.

You have limited time, money, and energy. And your daily responsibilities don't stop during the holidays. So you need to budget all your resources to make it through.

5. Calendars are indispensable.

Keep a large calendar handy for the whole family to use. Make sure all parties, get-togethers, programs, concerts, special church services, and the like are posted. Say no when you're too heavily scheduled.

6. Help should be received as well as given.

Christmas is not just a time for you to show off, proving you're Supermom or Superdad. It's a time for the whole family to work together. Even little ones can put "magnetic" snowflakes on windowpanes or popcorn chains on the tree. "But it's easier to do it myself!" we fuss. Yes--but not half as rewarding.

7. Invite friends over for informal get-togethers--instead of "big doings."

Try whole-family evenings of popping corn, charades, baking and decorating cookies, watching old home movies or classic comedies, or caroling with hot chocolate afterward.

Hayrides or ice-skating, if you live in the country. Potluck refreshments cut down on cost and effort.

8. Shopping tips

Work from a list and stick to it--unless an item is unavailable or you find something better for the same price. If you shop from catalogs, make sure your selections will arrive in time. Do as much shopping in any one store and location as possible. Wear comfortable shoes. Keep your list up-to-date, marking off items when purchased. Once home, wrap, label, and put everything in place as soon as possible.

9. Traditions are half the fun.

The holidays are a wonderful time to keep family traditions alive: old recipes, home-baked goodies, singing around the piano, special church services, reading the Christmas story from the Bible.

But just because Grandma baked constantly during the holidays doesn't mean baking is the best use of your family's time and energy. (Not to mention waistline!)

10. Mail your cards and packages early.

Get your stamps early, then address, sign, and stamp your holiday greetings during spare moments. Set aside until later those needing personal notes. Be sure to use a list of names so you don't miss anyone or send a duplicate. If you can't get your out-of-town packages ready in time for normal mail service, consider Priority Mail, Express Mail, UPS, Federal Express, or another carrier. Be sure your packages are well wrapped and taped; those in sturdy boxes handle best.

11. Savor the season.

It'll so soon be past. Don't fret about what you can't do, but rejoice in what you can.

Years ago a homesick young wife was out on the road, headed for a strange city. When she got there, all the motels were full. So she had to spend Christmas Eve in a rundown barn that kept out the rain but not the smell.

No cranberries. No fruitcake. No stove. No table, chairs, bed, or sheets. Nothing!

Except love. For there in a stable, Mary and Joseph had the most joyous Christmas ever known, welcoming into the world God's Son, our Lord Jesus, the Saviour of humankind.

Keep that your focus this holiday season, and everything else will fall into place.

Bonnie Compton Hanson is a freelance writer living in Santa Ana, California.