MORE TIPS FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

MAKE A GAME PLAN WHEN SHOPPING

If you’re going to the shopping centre particularly just before

Christmas day, try if at all possible to go on a weekday and

know what stores you specifically need to stop in and make

a map. A map, a list, a plan. It can be the difference between

leaving feeling accomplished or leaving four hours later

somewhat less..er..merry and bright.

MAKE FANCY PARTY ICE

You know what makes you look like you have all your stuff

together? Fancy party ice. I mean, if you can make fancy

party ice, you’ve clearly got your closets organized and

socks matched, right? So make fancy party ice with

cranberries in it. It’s also really tasty if you’re into

flavoured water to add cranberries and lemons.

So fancy, so easy.

MAKE WHATEVER YOU CAN AHEAD OF TIME

Cookie dough (can be frozen), pie dough or filling (can be

frozen) macaroni and cheese (can be frozen). Heck, you

can just make double batches of some dinners and

freeze half so you have a home cooked meal without prep.

This cuts down on your stress on busy days or the

day of an event.

SHARE HOSTING RESPONSIBILITIES WITH A FRIEND

With so many holiday parties and get-togethers, see if you

can combine some gatherings or at least share the load with

someone else.

MAKE ROOM FOR QUALITY TIME

If you have a significant other, make sure to set aside time

for just the two of you. Not the two of you at a party, not

you and the kids, just the two of you. It will make both

of you happy and help with that warm and fuzzy in-love-

at-Christmastime vibe.

RE-PURPOSE HANGERS

Store Christmas lights on a hangar for easy storage and no tangles.

MAKE USE OF A CARRIER

Call and have your package carrier of choice pick up your

items at home. The United States Postal Service will do this,

as will UPS, so take advantage.

USE WHAT YOU HAVE TO MAKE A BEAUTIFUL TABLE.

Yes, we all could and would love to set the perfect table

but those can cost hundreds if not thousands of pounds.

A wide (not favourite) scarf can be a table runner,

decorations that didn’t fit on the tree or mantle can

be a centrepiece, ribbons can be napkin rings,

heck, even branches trimmed from the bottom of

your tree can make a lovely and simple

centrepiece. Get creative.