Master your holiday to-do list with these time-saving tips

By Amber McKenna, Emerita

It’s that magical time of year again. You know the one I’m talking about…the time when everyone descends upon your home excited to see you, but also eager for food, presents and entertainment.

Maybe Christmas is your Everest, your marathon, your high score—and your Martha Stewart-esque décor might match your ability to craft miniature reindeer out of candy canes and sugar cubes. Alas, we are not all so gifted.

For many a modern woman the holidays can be hectic. Guests are coming, or you’re prepping to travel. Food must be prepared; there are presents to purchase and wrap, all while work still needs to be done.

Unlike bears, we humans don’t have the option of hibernating. So, there’s a need for some serious holiday time management.

Try these tips to reduce stress and increase efficiency in all areas of your holiday preparations.

Decorations

Decorating your home for the holidays doesn’t have to be a hassle. Make it fun by putting on your favorite Christmas music and popping open a bottle of wine. You could even invite a few friends over with the allure of free wine to help you get all of your tinsel and fake snow evenly distributed.

The most difficult part of the holiday decorating process can be putting the lights up outside. And, unless you’re Clark Griswold, it’s not usually the favorite task. If you don’t have a light-crazy person in your life to hand this one off too (or if they’re not up for the task), there are options. Many cities have services that put up lights for you at a low cost, and some even take them down after the holidays. Or, give a few bucks to neighborhood teenagers to take care of your lighting needs. Find one in your area at ChristmasDecor.net.

Key tip: Get your decorating done early so you aren’t stuck digging in the basement for those stocking holders at the last minute.



Shopping

Did you wake up at 3 a.m. on Black Friday and get all of your shopping done? Me neither. Avoid the craziness of box store sales and go a different route this year. Try shopping at local boutiques for those special presents that require time and attention.

Shopping online can save you money and time. Often sites have free shipping for orders over a certain amount. If you don’t want to depend on the mail, you can browse online, purchase over the phone and pick up your gift in person.

Key tip: Many online stores, department stores and even small shops will wrap your presents for you when asked, and sometimes at no charge. Keep your eyes open for local charities that are doing gift wrapping for a small fee, as well.

Guest prepping

If you’re hosting this holiday season, your home will be taken over in just a few short weeks, and you need to be ready.

Start stocking your cupboards, refrigerator and freezer so no one complains that “there’s nothing to eat.”  Mix up large batches of cookie dough to freeze so kids and relatives can have the fun of baking with little mess. Try prepping other freezable foods now, like soups and sauces, so you can enjoy the company of your company when they arrive.

Pull out the board games and place them in communal spaces to encourage family time.

Also, make sure to have a few back-up presents and spare Christmas stockings on hand. Whether for that last minute guest or if you come to find out on Christmas Eve that your niece no longer loves all-things Toy Story, it always helps to have spare gift cards and picture frames on hand.

Key tip: Stock up on paper products. It’s always astounding how much toilet paper a house full of people will go through.

Work

Focus on work during work, but use your lunch time wisely. It’s amazing how much you can get done in an hour if you have a focused plan. Run errands, wrap presents, plan menus and write cards midday to allow more time for big tasks after work.

There are even holiday-themed apps to assist you in your preparations. Santa’s List has tools to help you keep track of who’s getting what and helps you stay on budget. Best Christmas List is a similar app that even gives you the ability to assign gifts to stores. The app Christmas!! has a list making tool, as well as a fun countdown calendar. 

Key tip: You don’t have to stitch a pillow and write out a card for everyone you know. Bring some baked goods into the office, say a cheery, “Happy Holidays,” and remember that it’s the season to spend with family and those closest to you.

Travel

Hitting the road, sky or resort this holiday season? The stress of hosting duties is off your shoulders, but you still have to prepare for a trip. The same rules apply: get as much done as early as possible.

If you’re travelling to stay with family, bring things with you like recipes, music, movies and games. Go online and familiarize yourself with what stores are nearby—just in case you have to go get something last-minute.

Key tip: Remember—since you’re the guest, the stress is on the host! Make yourself helpful and offer to make toilet paper runs when needed.

Most importantly, remember that having a picture-perfect plan isn’t the key to having a fun time at the holidays.

So, charge those camera batteries, get plenty of sleep and look forward to being around the ones you love.

Happy Holidays!!