I learned long ago (back when Shawn and I worked long hours in retail) to plan ahead, so we could actually ENJOY the holidays together. I‘m going to share some of those holiday prep tips with you!!
•Start early- I know most like to wait until after Thanksgiving but if it means you get to enjoy it, then do it!!! Maybe just save your main tree for after. I do one tree or one room a day until I’m done (I have 6 trees). It makes it so much more manageable and not overwhelming. •Keep lights on small trees (and bulbs if shatterproof) when storing. That way you can just grab, fluff and plug it in!
•Label storage containers (mine are just trash bags 😂) with the room they go in so you can quickly move it to that room and start unpacking. You can also take a pic of your decor and store it with it. No guess work next year!
•Do you have an Elf on the Shelf? Oh my word those things take a lot of time and brain power! I make a set of little props and signs and hide them in a small box downstairs out of reach. Each night I can just grab a prop and set the elf up. I hate struggling for ideas at the last minute.
•Make cookies dough ahead of time! It freezes great and when you’re ready to decorate your cookies that part is already done. I’ve even gone as far as baking the cookies and freezing them to decorate later. That’s really the fun part anyway.
•Don’t make EVERYTHING! I love to cook but when it comes to holidays I pick the few homemade things I want and buy the rest. I’d much rather spend time with family than stress about tons of cooking and baking.
•Get automatic timers for outdoor and indoor lights. Ain’t nobody got time for all that plugging and unplugging! Plus it’s a great deterrent for possible theft.
•Choose a few photo opportunities you want to get and then put the camera down and enjoy the moment!! I got this tip from a friend of mine and it’s by far the best tip I’ve ever gotten!
•That goes the same for holiday activities. Choose the few you REALLY want to do. Say no to the rest. You can’t do it all and you won’t enjoy it all if you’re rushing here and there all December.
•Buy toys and gifts througout the year and set aside. I have a whole big box (actually 3) of gifts I collect when things are on sale or you think of the best idea for a neighbor! Obviously you will still have some last minute shopping but if you have even 75% done by Thanksgiving, it will take a lot of stress off of your December.
Now go and ENJOY your holiday with friends and family!!!! 💕
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