Tips for an Easier Christmas Week

It’s hard to imagine that next week is Christmas. I don’t know about you, but I am all about any ideas or tips that can make for an easier Christmas week.

I’m sure you have all done better preparing than me.

We’ve been busy here…but seriously there’s much to be done here to prepare for Christmas.

You probably have been much better and finished your shopping early. Did you begin shopping in October for the first round of Amazon Prime shopping?

Perhaps you finished during the Black Friday sales.

I did both of those shopping days, too. But, a few last minute gifts linger.

So, here are my tips for an easier Christmas week…

How do you make prep to make life easier happen? Here are a few things that work for me:

1. Let’s begin with self care.

I know. I know. Who has time for that? But, guess what? I’m seeing illnesses happening all around me. More crowds, more colds, more flu, and less self care is happening.

Our schedules have been on overload. I feel you. Last weekend, my volunteerism had to take a back seat. The overwhelm of things on my list made declining a few activities a necessity. Remind yourself of that, please.

So, how do I begin with self care?

• First, SLEEP. Make sure to extend grace to rest more. I know that may be impossible. But, most of us get ill when we are rundown. An overloaded schedule and lack of routine have been known to take many of us out.
• Speaking of schedules, make a LIST of everything that can be done ahead to make life easier. Don’t forget to add EVERYTHING to an online calendar on your phone. Lifesaver.
• Have an Epsom Salt bath. Dr. Teal’s is my favorite. Be sure to linger.

• Drink EmergenC. Two packages in 8 oz. of water each day just gives me more energy. Extra precaution and protection to stay healthy.

Here’s a link to find them both:

• Take breaks. For me? An afternoon tea just reminds me to take time to slow down. This time of year? A bit of holiday treats or chocolate with that tea makes the world a better place. A Christmas mug makes everything better. Right?

2. Prepare food in advance.

Anything that I can do ahead of time makes everything easier.

• First, make your list of all food items that you will need for the next week….baking, meals, goodies, snacks, breakfast, guest meals…you get the drift.
• While you are making the list, make sure you have enough spices, supplies, and what you are planning from your pantry hasn’t expired. Check expiration dates of everything you will be using. It’s amazing how many items are already out of stock while shopping today.
• Before you shop, go ahead and CLEAN out the refrigerator. You heard me. Mine is overflowing and that’s next on my to do list. Getting rid of half empty containers, science projects (don’t act you don’t know what I’m talking about!), expired bottles and items, and rearrange what’s needed. Don’t forget to clean out all drawers and shelves. Don’t forget that the freezer needs attention, too. It’s just a good reminder, too, of what things need to be tossed, used or rearranged.
• Make a plan for what can be made in advance.

Here’s my plan to make Christmas easier…

• Yesterday, I made nuts and bolts for family who begin arriving on Thursday.

Today, Gingerbread dough will be made and added to bags in the fridge to be made while grands are here.

Molasses cookies are ready to bake and added to tins.

Don’t forget to prep meals that are easy family favorites made in advance.

Wednesday morning will bring me to chicken pot pies added to the freezer to be baked for a family meal. Just a tip. My recipe for Chicken Pot Pie can actually fill 2 frozen pie crusts, stretching serving size to 12 for that recipe. Although I love homemade pie crusts, the frozen ones in tins are so easy to freeze.

Buy a package of ready made crusts to roll out and add to the tops of each pie, add to a gallon freezer bag, and tuck into the freezer until you are ready to bake them. Just remember to add extra baking time if you bake from frozen. This tip makes Christmas week a WHOLE lot easier!

Next, my list has potato casserole and broccoli casserole made and added to the fridge on Thursday for weekend meals, saving me time while company is here.

Last, but not least, Friday morning will bring me to bake a double batch of french muffins to be added to a covered cake stand for breakfasts (or when anyone needs one!) during the weekend.

Red Hot Cinnamon Juice is already made and waiting for guests.

Food gifts are always added to the plan…some already made and others added.

The marshmallows have been made for more gifts and the hot cocoa bar.

Home canned goods are already made and ready for gifts. The toppers are Sam’s Club ribbon cut outs. So easy! Isn’t that fun?

And then there’s this month’s Christmas Cider added to the fridge awaiting guests. This one is featured in this month’s Vue magazine.

Along with the English toffee recipe that’s my favorite.

Most importantly, make what your schedule allows…with joy. Forget the things that add stress. Order the pies from Cracker Barrel; sides from your favorite local place; and make what works for you.

3. Wrap gifts early.

Now this one is the one that always catches me off guard? Does it happen to you, too?

Lists of gifts have been made. Gifts have been bought locally or ordered.

Seriously? I make a list with kids and grands and number items. As I wrap, the gift gets the recipient’s name and gift number on the bottom.

Why you ask? I have had too many tags fall off or forget who I wrapped what in a box before the tag got added. Please tell me you have done that and I’m not the only one!

My GOAL is to have things ALL wrapped before guests arrive on Friday. I simply don’t have it in me to be wrapping til the wee hours of Christmas morning anymore.

Right now? All gifts that have been purchased and arrived are wrapped and under the tree. Now if the rest would arrive!

Can I add one more tip to ease your mind? Have gifts ready in case others drop in. That ALWAYS happens to me…so? Tins of cookies, bags of marshmallows, candles, etc. get wrapped and placed under the tree…JUST in case.

4. Prepare guest areas early.

This one is the top of my husband’s list. He doesn’t like to wait until the last minute.

Bed linens are all washed (even if clean) to add a fresh scent to the room.

Cleaning and a few Christmas touches are added.

If you add gift bags or special items to your guest rooms, make those early.

Our guest areas will be ready for arrival for guests this afternoon.

5. Remember the reason for the season.

Don’t let the rush of activities let you lose the reason for the season. The celebration of Jesus’ birth. May a live nativity, an advent celebration within your home, Christmas choir performances, or Christmas Eve services be included into your schedules. McCracken County High School Choir’s Christmas concert was amazing.

This year I have chosen real candlelight to be added throughout my home. Dollar Tree glass candleholders inside hurricanes with Trader Joe’s candles that are dripless and self extinguishing just add an “all is calm, all is bright” peacefulness throughout.

May you give yourself time, grace and self care to enjoy those who have their feet under your table during this next week.

Whether it’s for holiday baking, meals, conversation, or simple gathering, may each moment create the most wonderful and meaningful memories for all.

I’ll be stepping away next week to do just that. I can’t thank you enough for joining me each and every time you are here.

Merry Christmas to you, dear friend. May it be your best one yet.

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