Whether you’re just getting through Hanukkah or gearing up for Christmas, the holidays can be a stressful time. So here are some last-minute hoiliday shortcuts to save you time, money, and headaches!
– Make use of leftovers. Or freeze em. Stash some leftover turkey and gravy into Ziploc bags and freeze them, or turn them into a great soup, pot pie, or club sandwich. There’s no reason to go through the trouble of preparing big meals unless you can make use of the leftovers (and save time cooking more lunches and dinners). Throw the carcass into a crockpot with leftover carrots and celery, some water, and let it do it’s thing all day for a terrific and flavourful (and easy) stock. If you really don’t know what to do with all those leftovers, make up some care packages for neighbours. Or donate it to a local soup kitchen.
– Have extra Tupperware, baggies, and bins on-hand. Kids will be tearing through toys and playsets that have lots of little pieces, so it’s best to have a few organizational tools to keep things in order. That way, pieces won’t get lost. It will also make putting the new toys away later a little easier.
– Have a potluck. Instead of hosting and being in charge of an entire meal, ask everyone to bring one dish so the food prep is more evenly distributed. Switch things up and do fondue or make-your-own pizzas.
– Buy ready-made cookie, pastry and bread dough. Why make it from scratch when you already have so much to do?!
– When baking, make extra and freeze it for last-minute gifts in a pinch. Package cookies in a brown paper bag decorated with your child’s artwork for a distinctly rustic look, or stack in a repurposed Pringles’ can for a creative touch.
– Enlist help from the kids. Kids can do a lot around the holidays to lighten your load. Have them make homemade cards for neighbours and teachers, decorate cakes or cookies, or help with decorating by giving them simple projects like making paper chains.
– Take a little time for you. Stop for five minutes. Sip a cup of tea while watching the snowfall. I know you have lots to do, but you need to pause and rest, even for a few minutes.
Happy Holidays!
Melany xx