photo by Brad Killer, istockphoto.com

When you think of the holidays, what comes to mind? For some, it’s spending time with loved ones, traditional family meals and joyful gift giving. For others, it’s the cooking, cleaning and toiling that comes with having holiday guests. There are numerous tips and tricks to help you save valuable time when preparing for the upcoming festivities.

Here are some tips from organizing and cleaning guru Donna Smallin, author of “The One-Minute Cleaner”, that can help you reduce the amount of time spent getting ready for the holidays, so you can spend more time enjoying them.

• Get started early. Make a list of tasks and check them off as you go. Some tasks such as dusting fan blades, polishing silver and ironing table linens can be done well in advance. You can even set your holiday table ahead of time. Plan to have everything done a day or two early so you can get into the holiday spirit and relax with your family and guests.

• Declutter. Keep in mind that “less is more,” especially at the holidays. Now is a good time to donate some of your kids’ old toys and games -- and some of your own stuff. When you pull out holiday decorations, add the unused ones to the donations box and toss anything that’s worn or broken. Keep a list of what you donate and be sure to get a receipt for year-end tax purposes.

• Clean where it counts. There’s no need to deep clean your house from top to bottom. But do yourself a favor and don’t leave it to the last minute to clean your house. Do what you can now and then to make an extra effort to keep it clean and picked up.

• Focus your efforts on high traffic areas: kitchen, bath-rooms, living rooms and family rooms. And don’t forget to spruce up the guest room. Clear space in the closet and provide thoughtful amenities such as toiletries and magazines. Stock the guest bathroom with extra toilet paper and towels and make it sparkle.
 

• Play your cards right. If you’re planning to send holiday cards, do it in stages. Buy your stamps online to avoid long lines at the post office. Then personalize your cards, address the envelopes, stamp and seal them. Do it during television commercials over a few nights and you’ll be done in no time.

• Prepare as much food ahead of time as possible. Mix big batches of cookie dough and freeze in smaller batches that you can pop into the oven after dinner each night. Double or triple dinner recipes in the weeks leading up to the holidays; freeze the leftovers, and reheat for houseguests. Do prep work such as chopping vegetables and mixing dips the day before guests arrive.

• Minimize time spent washing dishes. Before you begin cooking, fill the sink with hot, soapy water and clean pans and kitchen implements as you go along so you don’t end up with a sink full of dirty dishes.

• Host a party that practically cleans up after itself. Find one-pot and crock pot recipes, or make it a potluck party and send guests home with the leftovers.

• Simplify gift-giving. Consider giving edible gifts or gift certificates rather than packaged goods. The last thing most of us need is more stuff. Or draw names to give gifts to only one family member, eliminating the need to buy for everyone. It’s a good idea to have a few simple, inexpensive gifts on hand -- a small box of gourmet chocolates, tin of cookies, or candle for unexpected guests as well as hostesses, teachers and anyone you may have forgotten.

Go to www.quickholidaycleanup.com for more holiday tips.

Courtesy of ARA content