I don't like waiting until the last-minute for most
things. I make a living out of being prepared. That being said, I do always make room for last-minute advice, especially when it comes to ensuring a Christmas Day that is as enjoyable, and stress-free as possible. Here goes:
1. Cut corners with your meal. You don't have to cook everything from scratch. Make a signature dish or two if you'd like, but store-bought is perfectly fine too. I usually do a mixture of both so I can offer a lot of options, without a tremendous amount of work.
2. Keep drinks simple. Have one non-alcoholic beverage (perhaps a holiday punch), wine/beer if you so choose, and water. Job done.
3. Say yes to help. When someone offers help, say "yes." Whether they offer to bring an appetizer, assist with handing out drinks, help clear the table, or set up a game for everyone to play, if they're offering help, accept it.
4. Keep unwrapping tidy. Have a BIG Christmas bag on hand. As presents are being unwrapped, any wrapping paper or tissue paper can be crumpled and tossed in the bag. When the bag is full, it can be quickly emptied into the recycling bin.
You can also do this with a large box. Wrap the box in wrapping paper, but leave one side open. This makes clean-up fast, plus keeps the "unwrapping clutter" out of the photos you're taking.
5. Reduce (and possibly make good) on questionable dinner topics. Have a "banned topics" money jar. Determine the "ground rules" on what makes for positive holiday conversation and what does not.
When someone crosses the line or breaks the rules, he or she has to place $1 in the jar and has to do something festive too, like singing a Christmas song (solo) out loud.
With some families, the jar can potentially fill up quickly and some good can potentially come of it as well. Money collected can be donated to a charity that everyone would agree on.
6. Drop (or drastically reduce) any TO DOs that are going to take an extensive amount of time. No matter what Christmas TO DO it is, if it's going to take more than 30 minutes of hands-on time, and you haven't done it yet, save it for
a less busy day. You don't need the extra stress.
7. Do something just for you. Whether it is taking out 30 minutes to read a good book with a cup of hot cocoa, gazing
through an old photo album, or going outside for a walk...do something that will help quiet your mind, warm your heart, and make your day that much more cozy and meaningful.
Wishing you,
and your loved ones, a peaceful, joyful Christmas Day.
