Now that Christmas is a week away, and I am officially stressed out, not to mention coming down with a cold, it is a good time to discuss all the shortcuts I like to take in order to get through the holidays with my sanity still intact.
First let me say that I did not come by these shortcuts naturally. I grew up with an amazing mom who did the holidays like you would not believe. She cooked a million dishes for Christmas dinner, not to mention serving about 25 different kinds of pie for dessert. And the presents! Even the last Christmas before she died, she piled loads of gifts under the tree for me and my siblings (I was 27… ok so she spoiled me).
When I first lost my mom 13 years ago, I wanted to live up to her standard of perfection with regard to the holidays. I planned elaborate menus, invited everyone I knew, spent hours agonizing over gift-giving, and generally drove myself crazy with my pursuit of the perfect holiday that mom would be proud of.
I don’t know when or how it happened, but eventually I realized that I am not my mom and never will be. Maybe when I am older and have grown-up kids and more time on my hands, I will embrace and cherish the holidays the way she did. But for now, I am using shortcuts. So without further explanation, here are a few of the shortcuts I have learned that make the holidays a little bit easier:
1. Order the food. Don’t get me wrong, I love to cook, especially with my children, and I try to do so as often as possible. But when we are entertaining, and there are more then 6 people at my table, I pick up the phone and order. The first year I did this, which was about 8 years ago, my husband told everyone I did not do the cooking, and I was embarrassed. Now, I don’t even care–and neither should you.
2. Pay for help. I don’t want to spend my valuable time cleaning my house, so I am perfectly ok with spending money to have someone else do it. If you don’t want to pay a professional, pay your kids to do extra chores!
3. Make lists. My momAgenda is filled with lists that keep me on track and organized. Most important is my gift list, where I am keeping track of every present I buy.
4. Well this one is not a shortcut, just an idea. Take care of yourself! Do something for you every day. I have been going to the gym a lot, working out to extremely loud music, because it is keeping my head clear of extra stress.
What shortcuts do you take over the holidays? Please share!!!
Another tip: make the day after Christmas a big shopping day – for next year! By going to sales at Neiman-Marcus, Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrell and (of course) Papyrus + Michael’s if time, I had ALL my cards, enclosures, paper, decorations, ribbon PLUS more than half my gifts this year…all from 50% – 90% off. Lots of things (Neiman’s especially) are fabulous for just about anyone and especially clients. Just buy cool stuff like beautiful wine stoppers and Waterford ornaments. Yes, you’re tired…but you’ll feel lots better next Holiday season!