Tips to Conquer Holiday Hectic-ism
It seems that in the wake of the horrific events of September 11th, the past two months have quickly slipped by.
When you realize, then, that the holidays are only a few flips of the calendar away, panic settles in. A cold sweat develops and you wonder, “How on earth will I accomplish everything?” Superwoman you’re not. So take a deep breath and read on. These tips will help to relieve some of that unwanted holiday pressure.
Decor
Small, inexpensive touches like these will crank up that desired holiday ambiance in any setting.
- Add seasonal flowers and bows to your plants.
- Wrap several wall prints in wrapping paper. Add ribbon and a bow to resemble a present.
- Add a stack of wrapped gifts to a child’s rocking chair or an otherwise empty corner.
- Baskets filled with fruit look more festive by accenting with a colorful bow.
- Take lengths of tulle (available by the yard in fabric stores) and tie into a full bow around the back of dining room chairs allowing the ends to stream down the chair backs and spill onto the floor.
- Place Christmas bulbs in a china or crystal bowl.
When entertaining guests, make an ice-luminary by cutting off the top third of a gallon milk jug. Fill a small jar (a bit bigger than selected candle you will be using) with pennies or something heavy to weigh it down. Center the jar inside your milk jug. Add water to two inches below the top. Place small holiday trimmings, pine cones or even citrus rinds in the water. Put jug in the freezer. When ready to use, run warm tap water around the jug and jar, slip luminary from containers. Add a candle for a luminous finish. This ring can also be utilized to hold and chill a bottle of wine. Be sure to place ice ring on a tray to catch drippings.
Pre-Prepared Dinners
By preparing and freezing items ahead of the season, you’ll save yourself time and stress. Have the kids help you bake cookies on a lazy November afternoon. Keep a few on hand, but freeze the rest for snacks and lunches.
Stromboli is an easy dinner and one you can make several ways by adding your own flair. Gather frozen bread dough, deli luncheon meats and cheese. Or substitute broccoli, green or red peppers, mushrooms and other fresh veggies for meat to please those vegetarians in your life. Divide one loaf of thawed dough into two. Roll each part into a rectangle the length of a cookie sheet. Layer meats, veggies or even pepperoni, then cheeses. Roll as you would a jellyroll. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a light, golden brown. Freeze in foil. Thaw and heat before serving.
Duplicate Gifts
Before you continue with your holiday shopping, take this quick tip into consideration. When buying your gifts, try to categorize your recipients. For example, if you have three teenage nieces and a neighborhood girl too, consider buying all four kids the same gift — say a manicure or nail polish variety kit. This saves precious time and sometimes money if you can buy an entire category of recipients an item on sale. Try to work this categorizing technique into your shopping plan for nearly everyone on your list. With the extra time you save, you might even be able to treat yourself to a relaxing glass of egg-nog.
TIP: Don’t forget to keep a supply of last-minute gifts on hand, as well. If you find a great buy on an item, say candles, buy enough to give to teachers, neighbors and party hostesses, too.
Wrapping Station
To minimize the time wasted pulling out and putting away your wrapping supplies, try setting up a wrapping station. By using a card table, desk or corner of the dining room table, you can keep supplies handy for easy access throughout the wrapping season. Store your paper, scissors, tape, ribbon, bows, tags, cards, all in a bag or box under the table. When company arrives, just throw a tablecloth over it, add a basket of fruit and no one will ever know your supplies are underneath.
Or you can use a small, clean garbage can or waste basket as a portable gift-wrap station. Keep your rolls of wrapping paper upright and visible in the can. Jab a hole in the side of the container and thread a pipe cleaner, wire or ribbon through it. Store ribbon rolls on these handy hooks for ease of spotting. Poke another hole for a pipe cleaner or wire to hold rolls of clear adhesive tape. A plastic bag taped to the back of the can will hold bows, tags and writing utensils.
Now that you’ve set up a wrapping station, you’ll find you can quickly wrap a present or two in those spare 15 minute time intervals that would otherwise be wasted in front of the television or on the phone.
Holiday Cards
The same idea goes for writing out holiday greeting cards. Store your cards, labels, address book, stickers, stamps, and family photos in a plastic shoe container, or one a little larger if needed. Keep the container accessible in a hallway closet or kitchen cabinet. This way you can work on whittling away at your list as time allows. You can also take the “greetings container” with you in the car and work while you’re waiting at the doctor’s office or at kids’ practices.
So now you can breathe a sign of relief. By following these simple time-saving tips, you’ll be able to squelch the holiday hectic-ism and actually enjoy what the holiday season was meant to bring. Peace.
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