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| 10 Smart Ways to Prepare for Holiday Chaos |
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| It's December, which means your calendar is likely full of holiday soirées, office parties and family festivities — all packed into one short month. Minimize the chaos while maximizing the holiday enjoyment with these 10 tips.
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1. Clear tables, shelves, mantels and countertops.
Place magazines in the recycling bin, hide all those knickknacks in a basket somewhere and store big dishes or small appliances you don't need in a cabinet. You'll breathe easier if you head into the holidays with a de-cluttered home.
2. Simplify the decor.
A beautiful tree or decorated mantel is a lovely thing, but a few glitzy touches can go a long way. A simple strand of lights, a few festive votives or a pretty bowl full of ornaments or fruit are all quick and easy decorating projects.
3. Keep kids entertained with fun activities or games.
Designate one room just for them to play in (preferably a room with a television and a few DVDs).
4. Preplan all of your meals.
We tend to focus on the big holiday meals, but don't forget about all of those in-between ones! Take time to make a detailed shopping list of everything you'll need for the entire week before heading to the grocery. Load up on finger foods, healthy snacks and ingredients for easy-to-make meals.
5. Prepare food ahead of time and freeze it.
This includes dishes for the main holiday meal, as well as dinners for your family during the week. Pasta, casseroles, lasagna and soups all freeze very well.
6. Set out everything you need the night before.
For instance, if you have a day of cooking ahead of you, set out the utensils, pots and pans, spices and nonperishable ingredients. Do as much ahead of time as you can to keep the day stress-free.
7. Delegate.
Shopping, cooking, cleaning and gift-wrapping tasks can be handed off to someone else. Have a quick family meeting and decide who will do what. Give each person a checklist. Even little hands can pitch in.
8. Shop on the Internet.
Unless you absolutely love the experience of hitting the mall in December, order your gifts online. Internet shopping has never been easier, especially with the rise of online wish lists. An added bonus: When you order online, you can have your gifts shipped directly to the recipient.
9. Ship gifts from home.
Ready to mail out those cards? Forget waiting in line at the post office. Instead, buy stamps online. You can even print postage for bigger packages at home.
10. Cut down on your obligations.
Don't be afraid to say "no." Decide ahead of time which functions you will be attending, and stick to your schedule. While you're at it, don't forget to schedule some downtime just to relax.
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