Yesterday we met 3 women befuddled by the crush of holiday preparation, and I promised we’d look at ways to manage over-commitment in today’s post. Below are 10 suggestions I’ve used, and maybe you readers will offer many more in your comments. The Seasonal Sisterhood needs to stick together!

1. Instead of buying gifts for everyone on your list, divide your gift-receivers into related groups and pick names, one apiece. Buying one nice gift is easier, cheaper, and quicker than purchasing 10 small ones. Our 7 children have done this for years.

2. If your family wants home baked cookies, choose a morning and invite a couple of friends over, with or without children. Ask them to bring their favorite cookie dough, ready for baking. This is a time to talk and laugh together while getting the baking done. Everybody takes home the cookies made with the dough they brought. This became a fun holiday tradition for us.

3. If you’re hiring a babysitter, pick her up one hour earlier than you need her. Drive to a well lit parking lot and use those 60 minutes to slow yourself down. Listen to holiday music with your eyes closed. Read a book. Revise your lists. Pray. Or take a nap. This was often a sanity-saver for me.

4. Resist the temptation to work into the night while your family sleeps. A rested worker is an efficient worker.

5. Cut your Christmas card list in half by eliminating those who don’t reciprocate. If they miss hearing from you, you might hear back from them for the first time in a long while.

6. When you sign up to help at school, church, or in the neighborhood, remember that if you say no, others will come forward with a yes.

7. When you invite people over and they ask what they can bring, have your list ready. They and you will enjoy the evening more with the contribution, and you can share recipes.

8. Wrap all your gifts in the same decorative paper and ribbon. It becomes a signature look and makes a unique holiday display in your home before you distribute them.

9. Pay the children to haul out decorations and put them up. They’ll be wonderfully creative while earning money to buy Christmas gifts for others. Remember to brag on your kids when guests notice your unusual decorating.

10. Check with good friends about exchanging gifts again this year. Maybe it’s become a burden for both of you, and each would appreciate being let off the hook. Share a simple meal instead.

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As for the “sister” who ran into Target without turning off her car, she came flying out of the store with her purchase just as I was going back in. When she drove away, she passed me, and I saw a sleeping toddler in the back seat. She had taken a big chance, which shows how desperate The Sisterhood can get.

May we honor our Savior’s coming by saying no to over-commitment and yes to more of him. Just like Jesus’ mother Mary, let’s take time to ponder.

“Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” (Luke 2:19)