5 Time-Saving Tips for the Holidays

The holidays can seem overwhelming at times—more so during a pandemic. All that “so much to do and so little time” sentiment can be exhausting. So, don’t let your preparations get the better of you. This year’s going to be much quieter, with no large gatherings, no office parties and no pictures with Santa. But, this doesn’t mean the celebrations have to be any less merry!  Here are a few jobs you can scratch off the list ahead of the big day so you can sit back and enjoy a little of that holiday magic.

Clean out the Fridge

One of the most important things you can do to save time during the holidays is to clean out the fridge and sort through the freezer ahead of time. Think of it as a quick audit of what you have and what you need. Furthermore, filling a clean fridge is a big stress reliever. It’s an indication that you are prepared and ready for the festivities to begin. It also ensures you have room to store all the inevitable holiday leftovers still to come.

Triple Check Cutlery and Glassware

Avoid the annoyance of discovering on Christmas morning that there aren’t enough glasses, or one of the spoons has mysteriously disappeared. You’ll be so pleased you did. Planning to use your grandmother’s silverware? Make sure it hasn’t tarnished. The last thing you want to be doing an hour before dinner is polishing silver. And remember, nail polish remover is great for taking sticky price tags off new stemware. 

Map Out a Menu Plan

Even though you may be hosting holiday meals with family and friends via Zoom, it’s important to include all the trimmings. You just need to scale down. Design a rough menu plan, make a grocery list and buy all non-perishable items early. Stock up on a few frozen hors d’oeuvres to bake up after an afternoon tobogganing or those inevitable midnight munchies. The holidays are a time for decadence, so schedule time to bake up a few family favourites. And, don’t forget the colourful napkins and holiday poppers to trim the table. 

Be Your Own Sous-Chef

There are plenty of things you can do ahead of time. Sharpen knives, including the carving knife well in advance. This makes all the chopping, peeling and carving so much easier. Pre-boil potatoes separately for three minutes and then freeze them, for easy roasting a few days later. Chop up vegetables for salads and store them in clearly marked plastic bags. Cut squares of butter for the table (just keep them wrapped in plastic wrap until you’re ready). And sauces, like cranberry, can be made up a couple of days in advance and stored in the fridge. 

Ask for Help

We could all use an extra hand during the holidays. Why not give yourself the gift of a Molly Maid cleaning service, it may be the best gift you get this year.