More Jolly, Less Humbug Tips

Try these tips to help with the craziness of the holiday season.

Entertain with Dust Bunnies: Give yourself permission to not be perfect. People will remember good food and conversation—not the dust. If you’re not ready to completely embrace this idea, dim the lights and add some candles—no one will see the imperfections.

Savor the Moment: Allow yourself to be in the moment—not thinking about the next thing you can cross off your list. Make it easy on yourself by serving foods you’ve made ahead, a combination of premade and store-bought foods and recipes that are simple yet “wow.”

Do Something That Brings You Joy: It might seem counterintuitive, but adding an event that brings you joy might just be the thing that makes your to-do list seem doable. Go caroling, enjoy a nighttime walk around your neighborhood to see the holiday light displays or give back to the community.

Ask for Help: Even Santa doesn’t do it all by himself—he has elves. Assign tasks to everyone in the house—whether they’re family members or guests, everyone (except for the occasional scrooge) will love the team spirit of working together.

Focus on Events from a Wide Angle: Plan the events you want to host in December, and then “zoom out”—what things can you do now to prepare so that there isn’t that last-minute rush? Shop ahead for nonperishables (and when stores aren’t busy), pull out serving dishes and buy the wine or chill the ingredients for your drinks.

Have a Secret Stash: Keep some presents ready for last-minute gifts or hostess gifts. Or keep the ingredients on hand for a gift from the kitchen (see Chapter 7) to make up a fresh gift in a jiffy.

Prep Your Pantry: Stock up on baking supplies early (and when on sale) to avoid having to make emergency runs during the month. Have flour, both granulated sugar and brown sugar, butter, vanilla, baking soda and baking powder on hand.

Take a Breather: Schedule in some much-needed breaks throughout the month. Whether it’s coffee with a friend, a bubble bath or a holiday show, the breaks will help sustain your energy for all of the month’s festivities.

Bake Smart: Homemade cookies and bread most times can be made in advance and frozen until needed, taking a lot of last-minute stress off your plate. See Storing and Gifting Cookies or individual recipes with the Make Ahead symbol for how they can be made ahead.

Share the Fun: With so many events to host and so little time, why not cohost an event with another couple or family? Whether it’s family or friends, you can share the work and the cost, making the event more enjoyable for everyone.

Dance Your Way Through Chores: Turn on your favorite Christmas music while you clean and prepare. Upbeat melodies will help the tasks seem more enjoyable and will go more quickly when you have a soundtrack.

Express Gratitude: Take the time to look out the window at nature, and try to count as many things, big and small, that you’re grateful for. The act of expressing gratitude will calm the craziness of the season.