Most of us get a bit stressed as we prepare for Christmas, with all the cleaning, shopping, and baking we have to look forward to. Here are a few ways to get through the holidays with out as much stress, and with time to spare so we can enjoy the season with our friends and family.
- If shopping for gifts bogs you down, and stresses you out, designate one day for shopping day. Make a gift list and go to a mall that will have everything on your list. Take your time, and do it all in one day. You will be glad you did, and you will have time to do other activities without so much stress.
- Set a deadline for mailing Christmas cards, shipping packages, and baking. Designate an out of the way room such as an extra bedroom or basement for wrapping packages. The mess is contained and you have everything you need in one place. As Christmas cards come in, place them all in a decorative basket rather than having them scattered about.
- Before you put up decorations clean up the clutter. Take giveaways to Goodwill for a year end tax credit. Make a clean-up kit and keep it handy .Include carpet cleaner and premoistened towels for little clean-ups. Use them also for pre company touch ups.
- If guests are on the way, and it's too late to clean, do a quick straightening up of the entryway, living room, and bathroom. They are the only rooms guests really see anyway. Consolidate all magazines in a basket, its easy to hide when guests pop in.
- If overnight guests are coming and your sheets are clean but smell a bit musty. Place dryer sheets between the pillow, and pillow case for a fresh, clean smell.
- Remember between Thanksgiving and Christmas there are 32 shopping days but only 27 shipping days. Get your packages mailed early. If you don't want to go to the post office go to usp.com and enter Click-N-Ship in the search box. You can calculate the postage, print out a label and arrange for a free pickup.
- Got a big gift and not enough paper? Wrap it in a large paper table cloth.
- Keep your Christmas dinner simple. Bake a ham, green bean casserole, cheesy mashed potatoes, salad, cherry pie, caramel cake, and apple cider punch, you can make your pie, cake, salad, and punch the day before. To make clean up easier, cover your counter with wax paper before baking, and cooking, then just peel it off and put in the trash.
- I hope these tips will help make your Christmas less stressful, and I wish you a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year
Great tips, Ruby. I am always looking for ways to make the holidays less stressful and there are a couple here I will be sure to use.
Thanks for sharing.