How to Prepare for the Holidays

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By Therese Haberman
eHow Contributing Writer

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(11 Ratings)

Prepare for the Holidays

Before you know it, the holiday decorations will be on display in every department store and you will experience that all-too-familiar tug of panic, since you haven’t even started your shopping yet. The holidays should not be something you dread because you never seem to have enough time to get it all done. Sit back with your hot toddy and relax, knowing you have a plan.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Greeting cards
Stamps
CDs/DVDs
Firewood
Axe or chainsaw
Baking supplies
Computer

Step 1

Make lists—lots of them. Label them well and keep them in your computer so you can use the same master lists year after year. Print out the ones you are working on. Use an Excel spreadsheet and you can make columns for writing in the status of items on your lists. These lists should include presents you bought or plan to buy, wrapping supplies, baking supplies, “To Do” lists and a timetable. You may also want to keep a list of your holiday CDs and DVDs.
Step 2

Start your preparations by getting your greeting cards signed, sealed and stamped. Use the cards you bought on sale at the end of the season last year. If you didn’t stock up, don’t worry since you can buy cards as early as September in most stores. Better yet, try the discount dollar store if you have one nearby. You’ll be glad to have this done now, especially when the hectic season whips up into a frenzy later on.
Step 3

Bake early and often. Getting some of your holiday baking done a few weeks ahead of schedule is a great way to prepare if you have sufficient space in your freezer. Quick breads, cakes and cookies can be frozen now and thawed in the microwave or on the counter when needed. Since you are getting this done early, you can also take the time now to make a list of any kitchen items you will be needing as the celebration gets closer.
Step 4

Replenish fireplace supplies. Make sure you have plenty of firewood. Consider buying special logs that have the added benefit of helping you clean creosote from the chimney as they burn. Add to your lists a new lighter stick if you need one, or wood matches. If you are very ambitious and looking for a chance to burn a few calories, you can gather kindling for starting the fire, pile wood in the woodpile or restock your indoor wood box or ring. Chopping or sawing wood is terrific exercise, but don’t forget your safety glasses.
Step 5

Go Christmas shopping. If you can put a good dent in your shopping before the rush, you’ll get that marvelous feeling of being ahead of the game. Be sure to take inventory of your wrapping supplies before you go and stock up on these while you are at the stores.
Step 6

Wrap the presents. There is no rule that you need to save all your wrapping for the last minute. Get gift wrapping done in stages as you purchase the presents. Keep a list of what you bought for whom. It’s a good practice to obtain gift receipts for whatever you purchase. These are special receipts that are coded and do not have the price on them. You can include them with the gift just in case it is the wrong size or color and the recipient would rather return the item for something else.

Comments

wirelessjen said

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on 12/14/2008 Loved it!! I'll have to actually use my computer next year to keep my notes. I do that with everything else, but I've not for Christmas time. What was I thinking.