The Holiday Crunch

I think the “big guy” (Santa) started it all with the “Naughty and Nice” list.

So, you can’t blame TwoWomen for bringing you another holiday list.

You liked our first one and we think you’ll truly appreciate this one.  We’re calling it Holiday Crunch Time. 

The pre-November YOU wrote your Christmas list.

At that time, you were fresh and optimistic about all that could be done in 8-10 weeks.  That list no doubt included everything from homemade, hand-piped gingerbread houses, to sending holiday cards with meaningful messages and beautifully-staged holiday family pictures. 

And now it’s just a few weeks before the big day and you’ve not even bought the spices for the gingerbread houses, nor picked up the holiday cards. 

It’s all okay, really okay.  We just need to amend a few of our plans.  Take a few holiday shortcuts.  Slash a few names off the list.  That’s all.  Because let’s admit it to ourselves – it’s holiday crunch time. 

Let’s get going and start the list.  In other words, it’s time to do the holiday hustle!

1.       Earlier in the season you may have considered hand-wrapping your online gifts.  Now it’s probably smarter to have the gifts sent directly to the recipients. If that seems too cold, warm it up by sending the online gift but also send a separate personal greeting card by mail. 

2.       And then there’s SHIPPING. There’s a lot of possibility that can take some of the drudgery out of this little errand.  Here’s a general article that’s helpful.   Another idea that might cost a little more, but it might be worth it for the convenience.  Instead of standing online at the post office, you can take your parcels to a “pack and mail” place.  In my experience, they never seem as busy as your local post office.  And to piggyback this, you can skip the post office entirely with stamps.com.        

3.       Have you considered a family gift instead of individual gifts?  There are wonderful options out there that families can enjoy as a family.  Big gift baskets are always a hit.

4.       Still want to have a holiday party?  If you haven’t sent out invites yet (if you’re anything like us, we’re going to bet, you haven’t) simply call a short list of your friends and family for a casual holiday get-together.  This usually results in the best type of gathering, anyway.

5.       Christmas dinner at your house?  No problem.  Go with a simple menu and a show-stopping dessert.  Add a few holiday drinks and you’re company-ready.

6.        Is it possible to turn a family and friends dinner into a potluck?  There’s still work to be done but it takes lots and lots of pressure off the host family (YOU.)

7.       Instead of a night dedicated to making and frosting cookies, making popcorn garland for the tree, or any number of other things, simply put the family in the car and tour the neighborhood admiring the Christmas lights. Maybe a stop for pizza afterward.   

8.       Decide what’s really important.  Is there one tradition that is near and dear to your family for the holidays?  Do that.

9.       What’s a simpler but still stunning way to decorate the exterior of your house or apartment?  Invite your kids and a few friends to help.  Maybe at this point forgo the outside lights, or at least limit their placement.  Also, a beautiful wreath on the door or a big basket of pinecones and seasonal greens makes for a beautiful outside holiday display.

10.    If you really want the beauty of the holiday lights, we understand.  How about hiring a service to take this job off your TO-DO list?  They’ll do it all for you – from hanging the lights to storing them, ready for next year.

So that’s it, folks. 

We hope this little list helps you.  If there’s anyone out there who wants to add to the list with your own holiday hacks list, please share! 

Happy holidays!