Here’s something to keep in mind this holiday season: how you choose to spend your time will determine how joyful this time of year is for you. What will you say “yes” to? And, what will become a “no”—either by choice, or by default because you simply ran out of time?

check yes or no

Practical time management wisdom suggests that we must say “no” to keep control of our schedule. Frankly, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have more options as to how to spend their time than time available to spend. We all must say “no” at some point in time. The question is this: are we saying “no” to the right things?

What if we switched it around just a bit, and instead of saying “no” we say “yes” first?

Here’s what I mean. To make the most of this holiday season, say “yes” to those activities you *want* to spend your time on. Choose your “yeses” based on what will make you and your loved ones happiest throughout the season. Then, carve out specific times on your calendar for all your “yeses.” If other events or to-dos arise throughout the season, you can work them in around your previously decided “yeses” or you can say “no” to them with confidence.

By saying “yes” first, you’ll know your holiday time will be spent on the activities you and your loved ones value most.