None of us want to be so stressed during the holidays that we have no time to enjoy the real reason for the season. So here are some tips to cut down on stress
Start cooking and freezing foods early in the holiday season- items like lasagna, cakes, candies or cookies. You never know when you might need them for unexpected visitors who you want to treat to something special. Cut up onion, peppers, celery and carrots; freeze them so they are ready for that special dressing or dish ( of course you can go the route of buying them already cut)
A cheese ball or a vegetable tray is great for a holiday event to allow people to nibble before dinner. It's fun to visit over appetizers- and can be a great conversation item if someone should want your cheeseball recipe
If sending greeting cards, have your family photo taken early enough ( if you are doing a picture card). Address and stamp envelopes before the holiday rush. I suggest you keep a check list to make sure the card is addressed and ready to mail
Make a list of everyone you want to present a gift
Wrap gifts early. mark each one so you will know to whom they belong.
Cooking and then freezing is a brilliant idea and something that I rarely do. Also - I need to make lists! My mind just isn't working well these days. Thanks for the suggestions.
ReplyDeleteA good list. How I love a good list! I hope it helps settle a lot of folks down. It's a beautiful season if we take the time to enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThose are great tips! I will have to try the check list. I made cookies early with our children and froze them for the first time this year. It was nice not to have a baking frenzy at the last minute!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! I buy presents all year long and store them. It helps!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I need to do this. I haven't made food and froze it since I had my last baby but for holidays it's brilliant!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I'm not all that organized or prepared this holiday season. LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm a sucker for freezer meals any time of year! Since we moved (last month) I haven't restocked yet. I need to wrap presents tonight-that will be my big time stressor. Thanks for the great tips!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! I just started baking cookies early this year (as opposed to last minute) and, lo and behold, I need some cookies to take to a party tonight.
ReplyDeleteI always like to cook ahead! It makes it easier.
ReplyDeleteI agree with wrapping gifts early. It is so stressful to have to wrap everything before. It drives me insane.
ReplyDeleteGreat list! We got our family photo cards made up early this year...but still sending some of them late because we're just not organized. I wrapped the gifts early though!
ReplyDeleteWonderful tips! It is so much easier when meals can be prepared beforehand and frozen!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of planning ahead!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the advice. I will be wrapping mine tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of making food now and freezing it. great tips!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is great advice! I think I'm going to make up a folder to work through for next year to do things in a less stressful way!
ReplyDeleteGood tips! I'm expecting company during holidays.. and your post is reminds me of what to do..:)
ReplyDelete