Top 10 Ways to Be More Organized for the Holidays | Give yourself a break by staying on top of the holidays this year.
Rate your holiday organization skills! How many of these holiday timesaving tips do you utilize?
1. Schedule Ahead
Consider any appointment needs you may have before the end of the year. Whether a haircut, manicure, medical appointment, or new eyeglasses -- be sure to schedule these early so you'll be able to get appointments that best fit your schedule.
2. Wrap Easy
Set up a gift wrap center so you can wrap at a moment's notice. Stock it with plenty of paper and ribbons as well as scissors, tape, gift tags, and pens. Gift bags are another great option for fast wraps. Wrapping packages as you have extra minutes here and there will help avoid a last-minute rush.
3. Think Ahead
Need stamps for bills or a business suit cleaned? Think ahead to the holidays! When you stop at the post office, buy enough stamps for your bills when you're getting some for your holiday cards. When dropping items off at the dry cleaners, remember to take in any holiday outfits or table linens to be cleaned and pressed as well.
4. Think About Shortcuts
Do you make 8 types of holiday cookies and throw 5 big parties? If time is limited this year, dial back a bit. Perhaps purchase a few of your holiday party treats or pay a neighbor to bake them for you. Or, combine two parties into one or schedule events on consecutive days to save on centerpieces, cooking time, and silver polishing.
5. Mail Early
Schedule dates in your planner for mailing both holiday greeting cards and gifts to out-of-town friends. No time to pack and ship? Use a mailing service like UPS or order through a catalog that will wrap and deliver gifts to your list of recipients.
6. Keep Track
An up-to-date calendar is a must for the holidays. Carry one with you so you can check your complete list of events at any time. Have lots of things to do? Make day-by-day lists as you wait for appointments or whenever you are sitting parked and waiting for the kids to finish at school.
7. Stock the CD Player
Find holiday music CDs so you'll have them ready to go for an evening of tree decorating, dinner parties, or whenever you're in the mood for a little seasonal song.
8. Create Beauty with Reusable Decor
Make up a set of wired ribbon bows that you can pull out each year to stick into wreaths, garlands, or on the tree. Store decorations in well-marked boxes or bins so you'll know where each item belongs and how to hang it. And, though fresh garlands are lovely, they last only a week or so at most, so consider switching over to the new, realistic-looking (and pre-lit!) artificial garlands that last for years.
9. Mark It!
Whether a package of holiday cookies in the freezer or a garland you cut to fit over the front door, marking these things makes it faster and easier to find what you need. Stock up on resealable zippered bags that can be labeled with a permanent marker as well as small tags that can be attached to items of decor, such as 'wreath for the hall'.
10. Allow for Joy Time
Most of us are so busy we forget to stop and enjoy the moment. During the holidays, resolve to make time for things that are important to you, such as a quiet evening with friends, a walk with the children, or decorating the tree with your sweetheart.
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