Really Simple Hacks and Hints for the Holidays

The holidays are often this strange combination of fun and crazy. As a working mom it can be a challenge during this busy season to balance my family and work obligations. Each year, I am tempted to fall into the trap of unrealistic expectations, a real joy thief that can lead to things becoming much more complicated than they need to be. Just in time, here are 3 really simple hacks and hints for the holidays.

1. Christmas Cookies. If your kids are anything like mine, they can’t wait to decorate Christmas cookies. This year I signed up to make and bring, undecorated sugar cookies for my daughter’s Christmas party. While I preferred making my own roll and cut cookies – time got away from me. (Not surprisingly.) But, that’s okay. GFS has me covered; today I ran over to GFS and bought a box of 72 pre-made, unbaked cookies for just $9.99! As the girls were finishing their dinner, I started baking and even decorated some for our neighbors and brought them over. Of course, it wasn’t until I started packaging the cookies up for school that I realized Sofia’s party wasn’t until Wednesday. That’s alright, I put the undecorated cookies in an airtight container and refrigerated them. And, the remaining uncooked dough is in the freezer until a later date when we can all bake and decorate them together.
2. Christmas Dinner. On Christmas Eve we share a meal with my family and on Christmas day I like to make a big hearty breakfast featuring french toast and hot cocoa. While I want to have a nice meal later that day (with just the Weatherman and our girls); I don’t want to have to spend the latter part of the morning cleaning the kitchen one more time. My plan this year (a carryover from last year) is to order a Christmas meal online through Whole Foods. There are so many options to choose from, whether you are looking for a full meal or just the sides. They have a wide range of options from vegan to organic, featuring Turkey, Prime Rib, Rib Roast, Brisket, Pork Tenderloin, and even a boneless spiral ham. Prices vary depending on your selection but the food comes prepared with easy directions for reheating. Give it a try!
3. Amazon Prime. We are card-carrying Prime members. Whether we’re ordering dog food or Christmas presents, I am hard pressed to find a store that can beat both their prices and delivery time. Amazon Prime is a great way to shop and ship gifts for the family from afar. Rather than paying the extra $2.99 – 4.99 for a gift bag, why not agree to ship them “as is” and then wrap the presents that favorite aunt or uncle sent and stash them under the tree on behalf of your favorite sibling?

What are some of your hacks and hints for making it through the Christmas holiday? Please share!