Time-Saving Holiday Steps

During the holiday season, time is usually in short supply.  In addition to every day tasks like caring for families, preparing meals, and work (inside or outside the home), most people also are entertaining guests, traveling, preparing holiday feasts and wrapping presents.  With this in mind, here are some of my time saving tips that I incorporate during the holiday season:

–Don’t take too much on- you know the saying, the best way to solve problems is to avoid them.  Sometimes the best way to avoid feeling frazzled is to opt out of activities. Look for easier substitutes.  Instead of hosting a fancy dinner party where you prepare every dish, have people over for dessert and coffee or eggnog.  Instead of wrapping dozens of presents, find creative gift bags or have a merchant ship directly to a person far away.

–Simplify gift giving– I am a big believer in a simplified Christmas and generally prefer to stay away from the commercial excesses that now seem to dominate the season.  I’ve found most friends relieved when I suggest that we pare down gift giving or eliminate it altogether. Look into simple alternatives and homemade gifts.

–Opt for short-cuts at this time only — a lot of people have adopted frugal habits as a way of improving their budget situation.  While frugal habits can be time and money saving, often they are one or the other.  For this time of year, it’s okay to make a few exceptions and save on the time instead.  I tend to use pre-cut vegetables and pre-made appetizers during this time rather than making everything from scratch for holiday meals.  In addition, I might ask for help from guests by having them bring dessert or an appetizer.

shared at this week’s Frugal Friday and  Work for Me Wednesday