Get Organized! Essentials to help you get through the Holidays

This time of year can be stressful for all of us, especially when you begin to feel guilty about skipping on your not-so-necessary traditions (the gingerbread house became a hassle more than an hobby when your kids hit 16, admit it.) But here it is, a few tips to help you through and to let you know that it’s ok to ditch some habits for the sake of your stress level.

Organization

Food Storage Containers are key, so remember to stock up on all sizes so you can give some leftovers to family or store and freeze for a quick meal later on in the week.

Collapsable Tarp Bins are great for storing christmas blankets and stuffed animals. Regular bins can also store ornaments and decorations to pack away for next year.

Cut Down

Decide whats most important on your To-Do list. Ask yourself what you would be sorry if you missed. This way, you don’t feel like you’re running around wasting precious time during the holiday craze.

Differentiate between obligations and choices. Keeping up with the Jones’ lighting display, for instance, is one thing you can cut out. Going to that miserable company party every year isn’t necessary either. Cut yourself a break once in a while — odds are you’re doing enough already.

Schedule & Simplify

Scheduling prep time is one of the most important steps that people overlook. Schedule time to shop, cook, bake, clean, decorate and wrap. With these items on your agenda, you won’t have to stress by looking for gaps in your busy schedule to squeeze them in.

Simplify Gift Giving. Who doesn’t like getting gift cards? And e-cards are just as thoughtful as pricey, time-consuming Christmas cards mailed from the post office. Remember, setting a budget before getting elaborate will help to give you an idea of whether you’re doing too much or just enough.

Entertaining at home during the holidays

Plan the flow. From the moments your guests arrive to when they sit down at the table, to when they walk out the door. Try to envision the flow of activity at your home. A good example of what a average event consists of is: guests arrive, welcome toast, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, main meal, musical interlude, dessert, presents.

Set up a day in advance. It’s best to know ahead of time if you may need extras of something. It never hurts to see your table set up the day before so you have time to make any changes that may come to mind a few hours before if need be. This can also make a huge difference in your stress level that day because you know all too well that you have enough on your plate already.

Stick to the tried-and-true. Stick to dishes you have made in the past that were big hits. For one, you don’t want to have any mishaps in cooking times, under or overcooked food, or not-so-tasty meals that your all-too-polite friends and family feel obligated to eat. And again, you’ll be more relaxed when you have confidence in what you’ll be serving.

Give a parting gift. Whether it’s something small like pretty cellophane-wrapped cookies or a small holiday tchotchke. Something showing you care that they can look back on and remember the holiday spent at your house is perfect to give out to your guests.

Relax. It’s the holidays and your house probably looks great. Just sit back and enjoy the company, food and drink. Also, an added tip is to light some candles. Somehow, candles always have the ability to set the holiday mood. Humans have had a love affair with fire since its discovery – it’s an archetypal symbol of community, heart, gathering, warmth.

Have a great time. After all, if you’re enjoying yourself it will be that much easier for your guests to have fun.