While the radio might be claiming that it’s the most wonderful time of the year, general morale might be humming a different tune. Chances are you’re already stressed out. Between the cooking, planning, shopping, wrapping and traveling, most people are exhausted before the holidays are even here. This year may be even more stressful as you plan safe, socially distanced gatherings with family and friends.
To help relieve some of that stress, start now. And if you don’t think you have enough time or money, here are some smart and simple life hacks to help you survive the holiday madness.
Prepare in advance
This may seem obvious, but too often we leave everything to the last minute, which certainly doesn’t help with our stress level around the holidays. Instead, see what you can do in advance and add it to a list. All the prep work will give you more time to focus on enjoying the season.
Take time for you
The holidays are demanding. Hacks can trim your time and budget only so much. With all the extra duties on your plate, it’s important to plan some low-key relaxation time for yourself. Enjoy a quiet morning alone, meditate or go for a walk. Remember to take time for you so the holidays don’t burn you out before they even start.
Organize your gifts
Have you ever blown your budget on gifts? Did you forget to get something for Aunt Cindy last year? Use a shopping list manager app to keep tabs on your budget, gift ideas and people you’re shopping for so no one is forgotten. And, you won’t end up with an empty wallet!
Gift wrap improv
Instead of yet another trip to buy wrapping paper, think of what you already have at home. Wrap up your presents in brown paper bags, map pages from an old atlas, newspaper pages, scrap fabric pieces or even old gift bags. Get creative with your wrapping while helping to create less waste.
Make it a potluck
No matter how much you may enjoy hosting friends and family during the holidays, being the planner can be daunting. Depending on what you’re serving — and even if only a handful of people are coming over — it’s easy to find yourself running around the kitchen instead of enjoying time with your guests. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Ask everyone to bring a side dish and make it a potluck. It’s less work for you and more time to spend with your loved ones.
Warm it up
It’s difficult to time all the food to be ready at the same moment. It always seems one or two dishes are still simmering on the stove while the others are getting cold. If you don’t have a warming drawer in your kitchen, your oven works just as well. Place dishes into an oven at 140 F to help keep foods warm before serving. This also frees up counter space and ensures your food won’t burn if you forget to take it out.
Slow cooker for the win
Using your slow cooker is a big help for family dinners. Recipes are usually simple and delicious, you can do everything in advance, there’s enough for everyone and you don’t have to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun.
Encore for chips
After your guests have gone, there always seems to be five half-emptied bags of chips. Looks like you’ll be eating chips for the next week. Take the inevitable staleness out by tossing them in the oven for a few minutes. Good as new!
Drink duty
It’s hard to find enough room in the fridge once all the food has filled it up. Keep a couple of coolers full of ice to keep drinks chilled. It’ll save space in the fridge, plus it will keep your guests from gathering in the kitchen every time they’re getting a refill. You can also set up a bar area with enough glasses, supplies and water for family members to help themselves, which takes the burden off you.
Plan for accidents
Spilled red wine, broken glasses, clogged toilets — these things happen. It’s difficult to pick up broken glass shards, so we have a tip for you: Grab a slice of sandwich bread, press it on the floor to pick up bits of glass and then toss it in the trash. Also, keep a good stain remover handy for spills and a plunger in the bathroom.
Food for weeks
Less time spent cooking the actual holiday meal means more time spent with family and friends. Choose a freezer-friendly menu and save yourself a lot of headaches by cooking in advance. And prepare large batches of basic ingredients that can be used in at least three recipes. Meals that freeze well are casseroles, soups, meatballs and dough-based foods. Thaw them in the fridge and reheat in a microwave to an internal temperature of 165 F, cover and let stand for two minutes, or reheat in an oven to an internal temperature of 165 F for 15 seconds. Nobody has to know they were prepared two weeks ago. Similarly, if you roast a large chicken one night, you’ll have plenty to use in a variety of dishes.
BOGO tip: Since you’re going to be doing all that cooking and freezing anyway, why not double the recipes? The frozen leftovers are great for nights when you’re short on time or you don’t feel like cooking.
Save some space
If you’re planning on traveling for the holidays, consider ways to pack smarter to save some room in your luggage. Space-saver bags are still around and highly useful, especially when packing heavy sweaters and jackets for cold destinations. Also, roll your clothes instead of folding them. Rolling helps avoid wrinkles while freeing up some room for an extra pair (or two) of shoes!
