Getting through the holidays stress-free can be a daunting task. Let’s face it, no matter how many deep-breathing techniques we employ, sometimes there’s just no escaping all there is to do over the holidays. I love picking up new tips every year that alleviate some of the pressure. I shared six of my best a couple of weeks ago, but I KNOW there’s so many more. I reached out to some of my followers on Twitter and they shared their best with me, but that STILL wasn’t enough, so I went deeper tapping friends and family for their best tips too. What you see below is a collection of the very best holiday tips and tricks to get you through the Christmas season with ease!
Holiday Tips for A Stress-Free Christmas
1) Wrap presents with the comics, kids love that and adults too!
2) Keep cheese, crackers and wine handy for those unexpected guests that drop by!
3) Don’t throw out that turkey carcass! Throw it in the slowcooker and make a delicious turkey soup.
4) Shop throughout the year for gifts, so it’s less stressful around the holidays. Also make sure you head out after Christmas to grab clearance items for next year. Think teacher’s gifts, Secret Santa, and stocking stuffers.
5) Make your mashed potatoes in the slow cooker to save stove space and no tending required.
6) If you have the space, don’t pack your tree back in the box. Wrap a king size sheet around it and store it upright. Ready to go for next year!
7) Wrap tree lights around cardboard or an empty Christmas wrapping tube to keep them from getting tangled for the next year.
8) Recycle old Christmas cards and use them as gift tags.
9) Elf someone. This is a fun version of Ding Dong Ditch, except you’re being kind. Pick up a gift for someone and drop it wrapped in their door, then ring the bell and RUN!!! Leave an anonymous small note to let them know they’ve been Elf’d.
10) Make your Christmas breakfast ahead of time.
11) Write a list, check it twice and then stick to it. This will keep you from overspending.
12) Send online cards and save yourself some money on postage.
13) Practice stress relief. Go to yoga class, read a book or just practice breathing.
15) Take stock of your kitchen before you go grocery shopping and come home with duplicates.
16) Make your turkey stock for gravy ahead of time and freeze.
17) Clean your refrigerator and freezer before you stock up for the holidays.
18) Take advantage of gift wrapping services at the mall!
19) Switch your Christmas lights to LED and save money on energy.
20) If your holiday meal will be small, cook a boneless stuffed turkey breast instead of a whole turkey!
21) Remember to get a family photo in front of the tree!
22) If you’re not cooking the turkey this year, prepare ahead of time to mooch for the bones. Trust me, you’ll want to make this soup!
23) Take no chances on your Christmas cookies. Make these No Fail Shortbread cookies.
24) Keep a Christmas emergency kit stocked with batteries, super glue for broken ornaments, replacement bulbs and Christmas hooks.
25) Give experiences instead of gifts. Think tickets to a show or a mini vacation to a nearby resort. Memories last a lifetime.
26) Make sure your car is prepared for holiday road trips with an emergency roadside kit.
27) Say no. The holidays are brief, don’t ruin them for yourself by over committing.
28) Let it go. Your house is a home, not a museum. Don’t kill yourself trying to keep it spotless.
29) Keep Christmas handy on your phone with these fun apps.
30) There’s nothing better than leftover turkey, get your recipes lined up now, like this Cranberry Turkey Bowtie Salad.
31) Wrap presents as you buy them to avoid last minute stress.
32)Book all your beauty appointments (hair, nails) early in the fall and get one of those coveted spots!
33)Need a last minute gift? This Homemade Irish Cream never disappoints.
34)Freeze grapes, cranberries and raspberries to use as pretty chillers for drinks at your holiday party.
35)Make your ice for your party ahead of time!
36)Canadians have the biggest refrigerator of all—the great outdoors. If you run out of space inside, use a cooler on your back step.
37)Set up a Christmas fund in January to take the sting out of holiday spending next year.
38)Use this turkey calculator to determine how big a turkey you’ll need!
39)To avoid getting run down, make sure you get plenty of sleep.
40)’Tis better to give than receive. Help fill a Christmas hamper for a family in need.
41)Make sure your bar is stocked and ready to go.
42)Get outside. Winter drives Canadians indoors and it can have a depressing effect. Schedule time to get some fresh air.
43)Don’t forget pets. Give them plenty of exercise before your guests arrive at your front door.
We’re Ditching Paradise and Coming Home for the Holidays
