Organizing for the holidays
Take some of the stress out of the holidays by getting ready before they arrive! The key to holiday organizing is to start early and make lists like gifts, budget, and menus.
Make your list and check it twice. Before you ever step foot in a store, have everyone make gift lists. This way you can give to others what they want instead of something that will become clutter to them. Plus, you have one less decision to make. Make shopping easier by setting a deadline so you can enjoy the holiday season. The earlier you start and finish your shopping, the shorter the lines and better the selection.
Avoid the crowds. When you can, shop odd hours for a less hectic experience. Avoid malls and post offices on the weekends if possible and shop online when applicable.
Skip the deep cleaning. Do not overwhelm yourself by cleaning the house from top to bottom. Instead, concentrate only on the public areas. Guests will appreciate your hard work and still be able to enjoy your company.
Prepare for unexpected guests. Keep an inventory of quick food items that you can pull out & serve in a moments notice. . For your planned gatherings, allow enough time for cleaning, cooking, and decorating by counting back from the time of your party. Keep meals simple or ask guests to bring a dish to reduce your preparation time and stress. Delegate or ask for help with some of these activities; it will take a little of the stress off you and may even turn several of the chores into fun.
Have an un-decorating party day! Once all the festivities have passed, the idea of cleaning up and taking down the decorations may invite some of that stress back into your life. Stop it in its tracks by having an un-decorating party with your family. Most chores take less time and are more fun when you have a couple extra hands.
Label. Label. Label! When it comes to holiday decorations and supplies, use appropriately sized storage containers that are sturdy and label! A couple extra minutes at the end of this season could save hours when it is time to decorate next year. This is also a good time to update your card list while everything is fresh in your memory.
Remember, the holidays are about friends, family, and fun. Take the stress out of holiday preparations and enjoy the good times by preparing early, asking for help, and keeping it simple.