2.     Manage holiday cards before they manage you
To stay organized when you’re sending out holiday cards, check out our holiday card checklist. When you receive holiday cards in the mail, set them aside and read them in batches during times you have blocked off in your calendar.  As you read your holiday cards, display them in a way that works for you (try delegating this part to a family member).  Also, you can avoid the long lines at the post-office by ordering postage online. 

3.     Delegate to co-workers or family members
It’s easy to feel like the success of the holidays is up to you! Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to family members, co-workers, or friends.  Keep track of delegated tasks by using online to-do lists.  Check out our webinar on Managing Your Online To-Do Lists for tips and tool recommendations that are right for you.

4.     Make meals ahead of time
Spend a day making meals you can freeze easily. Then, when you have a day where cooking is the last thing you want to do, you’ll have a meal readily available.  Get a jump-start with the book, Fix, Freeze, Feast: The Delicious, Money-Saving Way to Feed Your Family by Kati Neville.  Also, you can make the experience more enjoyable by arranging a food swap among friends. 

5.     Set a deadline for gifts and wrapping
There are so many pieces to the gift-giving puzzle, and last minute shopping won’t do you any favors.  Set a deadline for when you need to mail out your gifts and work backwards to set a deadline for when you will have your shopping complete.  Before you start wrapping, make sure you set up a gift-wrapping station with the proper storage containers. Hold yourself accountable by adding the time to your calendar and wrapping with a friend on the day you’ve agreed upon.