One way to reduce the stress that can accompany the holiday season is by getting started early. Whether plans include travel, shopping, food or all three, a head start can help make the process run smoothly and be more enjoyable.
If travel is on the agenda, planning ahead is key.
"Anyone thinking of flying should book airline reservations early because they will be picked over quickly and will get expensive," says Logana Lyons, travel manager at the Winter Haven AAA office. "A lot of people are going to where the family is, so we always stress to get airline tickets early.
"Cruises for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's are also very popular," Lyons says. "There are some really great rates, and if they are flexible and can go any time, they can give us their name and number to call when specials pop up."
Lyons recommends checking on options when travelers are considering locations. That will help with spotting deals.
"People who have cruised before can get better rates. We're always really busy with cruises. If somebody's looking for a hot deal, they will sometimes come out the first week in December," Lyons says.
Lyons also recommends local transfer service to get to and from ports.
"That way you aren't worrying about parking a car and transporting luggage," she says. "Try to make it as stress free as possible."
Lyons says hotels are often offering great rates.
"New York is extremely popular during the holidays," she says. "And people still like to go skiing - most of those packages are out west. It's always better to plan ahead."
As for general traveling tips, Lyons says AAA personnel offer packing demonstrations. They show travelers how to pack and what to put into a carry-on bag. They also go over the proper documentation necessary and processes to ensure everything it is up to date.
Lyons emphasizes the importance of arriving at the airport early.
"It's going to be a rush time," she says. "Take the earlier flights in case of bad weather or delays, so you don't miss the connecting flight - especially with overseas flights."
Travel alone can be stressful, but if shopping is part of the holiday routine, advance planning can be beneficial.
"It's important for people to continue established traditions," says Adrianna Wales, owner of The Back Porch restaurant in Lake Alfred.
The Back Porch is part of The Barn Antiques, which also includes The Stable Home Décor and The Back Yard Garden Shop.
"We try to let them capture the joy of their holidays so they don't have to be stressed out," Wales says. "We try to respond to their needs by getting the Christmas stuff out early so they are prepared and do not have to rush through their holidays."
Wales says that keeping holiday shopping in mind throughout the year can help limit the stress during the holiday shopping season.
"If you can just buy one gift with somebody in mind now, that's one down. Keep doing that a little at a time and you'll check off your list, little by little." Wales says.
When she shops, Wales says if she sees something, she gets it right then and there because the item might not be there later or she might forget about it.
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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
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But overall, Wales says the important thing is to keep it simple.
"You miss out on so much if you don't stop to smell the roses," Wales she says. "Plan ahead and keep it simple."
If food is the task for the holidays, Tam Clark said starting with a budget is the first step.
Clark owns Tam's Classic Catering, and has been in the catering business for 18 years.
"They have to know how much money they can spend, especially if they want to use a caterer," Clark says. "Then they can get started on a menu and determine how many people they want to invite. If they want a caterer, check and book now. If they wait until the last minute, they are gambling."
Clark recommends that hosts know ahead of time what they have in mind.
"The best thing they can do is to go on internet to pick out things that interest them," Clark says. "If they are looking for a caterer, check Web sites. Like for us, they can call me and I'll price it out. We'll work to match their budget."
For people who are planning to handle the food themselves, Clark recommends starting now.
"Make hors d'oeuvres and freeze them," Clark says. "If things like freezer items are on sale, or shelf items like olives, you can buy them ahead."
Clark says a mix of items is a good idea.
"Have fruits and cheeses - people will eat them," Clark says. "You can do a variety, such as Bries and slices. I make a display out of fruit so it works as a center piece, too.
"You should have to have at least three cold and four hot hors d'oeuvres. Anything seafood goes (well). I do an artichoke crab dip and hot smoked salmon. You should also have something for vegetarians. Meal-wise, consider pork tenderloin or ribeye," Clark says.
"I do a lot of peppered eye of round and chicken and, of course, turkey."
